The Republican Central Committee of Somerset County announced the nomination to fill the District 38A House of Delegates vacancy following the passing of Delegate Charles Otto, with the Tri-County Republican Committee forwarding Howard “Kevin” Anderson for appointment.

According to a Republican Central Committee of Somerset County Facebook post:

Congratulations to Howard Kevin Anderson for his selection by the tri-county 38A District from an impressive pool of candidates as the nominee to fill the vacant Delegate seat of Charles Otto. We extend our deepest condolences to the Otto family and express our gratitude for Delegate Otto’s dedication and service that benefited our Eastern Shore way of life.

Under Maryland law, when a vacancy occurs in a district represented by a single political party, the governor appoints a replacement from the central committee’s nominee list within 15 days. Governor Wes Moore now has that appointment window to act on the recommendation.

Delegate Otto’s passing created the vacancy in District 38A. He represented Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties since 2011 and served as Deputy Minority Whip since 2013.

Delegate Otto grew up on the Lower Shore, attended Washington High School in Princess Anne, and later studied at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Otto’s long tenure reflected a deep connection to his district and consistent engagement with the communities he served.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.