Paul Gains will not seek court of appeals seat

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains announced Thursday that he will not seek a seat on the 7th District Court of Appeals next year.

“The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office is more important than my political ambitions,” Gains said.

The seat currently occupied by Judge Mary DeGenaro will be up for grabs in the 2018 election as she pursues a spot on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Gains previously told The Vindicator he planned to enter the race.

Contacted Thursday, Gains said concerns from several township trustees and all three county commissioners played a role in his decision not to run.

“I’m kind of disappointed, but I’m satisfied with my decision to remain where I’m at,” Gains said.

David Betras, chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, said in a news release that Gains’ record and commitment to justice would have made him difficult to defeat, but he understands the decision.

He added that other potential candidates who declined to enter the race because they believed Gains would run are interested again and he’s confident the party will have a candidate for the seat.

On the Republican side, Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court has taken out nominating petitions and announced her intention to seek the position.

Judge R. Scott Krichbuam also considered running for the seat as a Republican but later decided he’s better suited for his current position in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.