Scozzafava was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the 122nd Assembly District, in 1998. Presently she serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Codes Committee for the Assembly.http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=122&sh=bio

She is married to Ron McDougall and has two children Matt and Molly.http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=122&sh=bio

On July 22, 2009, Scozzafava was selected to be the Republican Party nominee in the special election for the 23rd Congressional District. The selection process was conducted and affirmed by the Republican County Chairs of the eleven counties within the 23rd District. On October 31, 2009, Scozzafava suspended her campaign.http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091031/NEWS09/910319997http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_picks_candidate_for_congre.html

During her campaign for the 23rd District Congressional seat, Scozzafava signed a pledge not to raise income taxes if elected to Congress. This pledge had been developed by the organization Americans for Tax Reform. At this time, she also expressed her opposition to repealing the Bush tax cuts, saying, "I don't support it. I think the tax cuts should stay in place."http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091019/NEWS03/310199955/-1/NEWS