Pocomoke City Councilman Carroll Lee “C. L.” Marshall, who represents District 5, is among five candidates seeking appointment to fill the District 38A seat in the Maryland House of Delegates following the passing of Delegate Charles Otto.
Otto, 61, died on October 17, 2025. He had represented District 38A, covering Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico counties, since 2011.
The Republican Central Committee of Somerset County is responsible for recommending a replacement within 30 days of the vacancy, under Article III, Section 13(a)(1) of the Maryland Constitution. The Governor must then appoint a successor within 15 days of receiving the committee’s recommendation.
According to information posted by the committee, the five applicants for the seat are:
- Carroll Lee Marshall (Worcester)
- Timothy Harold Howlett (Somerset)
- Michael Kevin McCready (Somerset)
- Howard Kevin Anderson (Somerset)
- Julia Salvas Landon (Somerset)
Public comments on the appointment will be accepted by the committee until 3 p.m. on November 7 at Jtr1049240@aol.com.
In a statement provided to The Arrowhead, Marshall said he hopes to “continue the legacy” of Delegate Otto, whom he described as having “served the people of the Lower Shore with integrity.” Marshall said Otto consistently fought to protect and enhance opportunities for local farmers, commercial watermen, and business owners, and promoted “sensible economic development that would complement life in Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico counties.”
Marshall also noted that he has worked alongside Delegates Otto and Hartman on issues affecting the local fishing community, including striped bass protections, and said the experience motivated him to seek greater involvement in state policy.
“Standing on the second floor of the Capitol building, I looked down at the Maryland state seal, which features a farmer and a fisherman,” Marshall wrote. “I thought about how far we’ve come from that and that my voice might make a difference.”
In his statement, Marshall emphasized the importance of behavioral health support and sensible economic development on the Lower Shore, saying he would work to strengthen access to needed services while helping to grow the tax base through responsible development.
“There’s much to accomplish in Pocomoke,” he said. “I look forward to the completion of the Community Center and to seeing our tax base increase due to sensible economic development taking the burden off the backs of our residents.”
The appointment process is being facilitated by the Somerset County Republican Central Committee. Once a recommendation is made, the Governor will make the official appointment to fill the remainder of Delegate Otto’s term.
Photo from https://www.cityofpocomoke.com/government
