Donald P. Scott
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Donald P. Scott
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
Court of Appeals, District 7 - Robb seat
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Northeastern University, Boston, Doctor of Law & Policy, 2018-2020
Cleveland State University, Youngstown, Juris Doctor in Law, 1998-2002
Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Bachelor of Science in Police Administration, 1983-1984
Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Associate in Police Science, 1980-1982
WORK & MILITARY
Law Office Attorney Donald P. Scott, Attorney & Counselor at Law, 2008-2026
City of Youngstown Police Department, Commander / Detective-Sergeant, 1989-2019
United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel, 1984-2012
AFFILIATIONS
American Bar Association, Member, 2008-2026
Ohio State Bar Association, Member, 2008-2026
Mahoning County Bar Association, Member, 2008-2026
Cleveland State University Alumni Association, Alumni Member, 2008-2026
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Ohio Wick Lodge # 481, Member, 2010-2026
Saint John's Commandery, Knight Templar, 2011-2026
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #28, Member, 1989-2026
Reserve Officer's Association of America (ROA), Life Member, 1984-2026
Military Officer's Association of America (MOAA), Member, 2024-2026
National Rifle Association (NRA), Life Member, 1995-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge, 2026-
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (4)
Kristina Roegner (2025)
National Republican Senatorial Committee (2025)
Republican Womens Organizations (2024)
Mark Anthony Hanni (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
According to WFMJ, Scott stated that he would “decide cases strictly according to law,” and that Ohio needs judges, not “shaped by powerful industry interests” but “who will follow the Constitution and apply the law fairly, without favor to political or financial power.”
According to Salem News, Scott “unsuccessfully ran in 2021 as an independent for Youngstown council president and two years earlier for council’s 7th Ward seat, when he lived in the city."
According to WFMJ, Scott served in the U.S. Army, worked as a “federal law enforcement officer. He retired as an Army Lieutenant Colonel and served on temporary duty in Afghanistan.” Additionally, he is a “retired Youngstown Police Department (YPD) detective” for 30 years. There, “he was presented with a plaque for his services."
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
This is a very personal issue and controversial subject for many people. The Dobbs decision correctly overturned Roe v. Wade sending this issue back to each state to decide abortion laws.
Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
The Constitution does not protect a right to assisted suicide. The Court held that in Washington v. Glucksberg the state had a legitimate state interest in preserving life banning physician assisted suicide.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
This is a very personal and controversial issue for many people. In Ohio the citizens passed a constitutional amendment legalizing abortion up to 21 weeks and 6 days. I will always follow the law.
How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
The Dobb's decision did not ban abortion. Rather, it sent the issue back to each state to decide. In 2023 the will of the people in Ohio legalized abortion as a constitutional amendment up to 21 weeks and 6 days. Unless and until this is overturned it is the law of Ohio.. Whether or not I personally agree with it, I will always follow the law.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
Did not answer
Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
Did not answer
Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
Did not answer
VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Religious freedom is a fundamental right reflected in the US Constitution First Amendment. The Free Exercise Clause prohibits governmental interference in practicing a religion while the Establishment Clause prohibits the government from establishing a national religion. Administrative law has been used by agencies and schools blocking faith based practices. This overreach violates fundamental rights. Regardless of any personal beliefs I will always follow existing law in deciding an issue.
What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
Parental rights have been diminished through agencies administrative policies. It is my belief that public officials work for and answer to the citizenry. Schools and other institutions should not be allowed to keep secrets impacting normal development of minor children from parents or legal guardians. In deciding this issue, a law or an agency policy will be reviewed by examining it under the Ohio and U.S. Constitution.
Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
Gender identity protections are not written into the Constitution. However, in 2020 the US Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County held gender identity discrimination is protected as a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1984. This is the current status of the gender identity issue.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2016 Democratic Primary 2016 General Election 2018 Democratic Primary 2018 General Election 2020 Republican Primary 2020 General Election 2022 Republican Primary 2022 General Election 2024 Republican Primary 2024 General Election
To the best of my recollection this is an accurate reflection as to how I voted in the aforementioned elections.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
A judicial decision should be based on practical realities that people experience while protecting fairness applying relevant case precedent, statutes, and the Ohio & US Constitutions. In Ohio lawyers and judges are required to complete only a Juris Doctor degree in law. I have completed an accredited JD and the advanced degree of Doctor of Law and Policy. This has prepared me to conduct the extensive research necessary to render the correct and fair decisions.
Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
Laws should be interpreted and applied based on the plain meaning of words using tradition and precedent as guidelines. I do not believe nor support judicial activism by legislating from the bench. A judge should evaluate a law using historical precedent and traditions to determine constitutionality..
Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
Did not answer
Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
Did not answer
A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
Did not answer
What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
Did not answer
What is the proper role of a judge?
Did not answer
When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
Did not answer
If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
Did not answer
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned. Please comment on this topic.
Did not answer
When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
Did not answer
2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
Did not answer
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
Did not answer
