Gains will not seek judge seat

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains has decided not to seek election to the 7th District Court of Appeals in 2018, Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman David Betras announced today.

“Paul and I have had a number of discussions about the race,” Betras said in a statement. “And while we are both believe he would be a formidable candidate and would win, Paul informed me late [Wednesday] that he will not be running.”

Gains, who discussed seeking the seat being vacated by Judge Mary DeGenaro, said his decision to forego the race was driven in large part by the number of elected officials and community leaders who asked him to remain in his current office.