Maryland Del. Charles Otto, a Republican representing District 38A in Somerset County, Wicomico County and Worcester counties, passed away on Friday.
The news was announced by Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, who released a statement Friday afternoon. There has been no information released as to the cause of death.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Maryland State Delegate Charles J. Otto,” Jones wrote. “Since 2011, he served the Maryland House of Delegates with integrity and an unwavering dedication to the people of District 38A. He cared deeply about his community and always put his constituents first.
“On behalf of the Maryland House of delegates, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, constituents, and staff. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Del. Wayne Hartman, part of the Eastern Shore delegation that included Otto, also provided a statement on Friday:
“It’s very sad to hear the news of Del. Otto’s passing. He was certainly dedicated to his district and a wealth of knowledge to the Environment and Transportation Committee as one of the only farmers left in the Maryland House of Delegates. He didn’t speak often, but when he did speak it was something very relevant and spot on.”
Hartman said the news came as a surprise – as Otto had just filed for reelection on Wednesday.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Hartman said. “He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was always friendly, and he would help anyone he could.”
The 61-year-old Otto was a corn and soybean farmer who had worked as a sales representative and crop consultant in his career, before getting elected to the House of Delegates in Nov. 2010. During his time in state government, Otto served in the Environment and Transportation Committee, Protocol Committee and the Environmental Matters Committee in the House. He also served as the Deputy Minority Whip for the Maryland House Republican Caucus from 2013 until his death.
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