David L. Engler
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile*
Leans Originalist
BIOGRAPHY
Name
David L. Engler
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
Court of Appeals, District 11 - Lynch seat
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Candidate did not provide
WORK & MILITARY
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AFFILIATIONS
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POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
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POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
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ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (1)
*Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Pat DeWine (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Richard Cordray (2018)
Ron Gerberry (2008)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Judge David Engler's Trumball County Family Court biography.
On February 14, 2026, Judge Engler called for a regional summit to address rising concerns over youth violence. Engler attributed youth violence, including gun related violence, to unstable family conditions, stating that much of the violence stems from “chaotic home environments” and broken family. Describing the role of the juvenile court, Engler stated, “We owe a duty to the community and to these young people to see what happened,” Engler said. “Is there something that we could do better? Is there something that could have been done differently?
In an October 2024 Warren Tribune Chronicle article printed while David Engler was running for Trumbull County’s Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court judge seat, he called for increasing speed and efficiency in court decisions, especially in child custody and support cases: for stronger consequences in cases involving repeat offenses or continued parental neglect, and taking a tough stance on addressing the opioid crisis and its devastating impact on families, including stronger penalties for drug dealers .
David Engler's 2020 Judicial Votes Count candidate questionnaire. Engler said, “Every person that comes to the court will receive fair and expedient justice." and he was running to ensure the court operates “pursuant to the law and free of cronyism."
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.)
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Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
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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?
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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
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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.)
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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.
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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
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2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
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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?
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Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
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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.)
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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?
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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
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What is the proper role of a judge?
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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?
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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
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ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
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I voted in these primaries and general elections:
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VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
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