Governor Moore Statement on the Passing of Delegate Charles J. Otto

Published: 10/17/2025

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today released the following statement regarding the sudden passing of Delegate Charles J. Otto, who represented Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties since 2011:

“Dawn and I send our ​prayers to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Delegate Otto. This was a man who loved Maryland to his core, fighting every day for his constituents and moving in good faith with partners in the General Assembly to deliver results.

“I had the privilege of spending time with Delegate Otto just a few weeks ago. We stood together to announce the completion of a historic broadband project, bringing high-speed internet to Smith Island for the first time. I saw in him then what so many have seen throughout his career—a fidelity to our state that could never waver, and a commitment to our people that could never fade.

“Delegate Otto and​ I may not have belonged to the same political party, but we could agree on this: Marylanders are always worth fighting for. We must carry that legacy forward, together.”​