Meet the Candidates: MD House District 38A

Salisbury, Md. – In November, voters in Maryland’s House District 38A will choose between Republican C.L. Marshall III and Democrat Shelley Johnson. House District 38A includes Somerset County and parts of Worcester and Wicomico Counties.

Marshall currently serves on the Pocomoke City Council and owns and operates Tangier Sound Charters. He said many on the Eastern Shore feel underrepresented in Annapolis and is aiming to change that through his top three priorities.

“It’s pretty simple, man. I stand for farmers, fishermen and the rural way of life here on Delmarva,” he said.

Democrat Shelley Johnson currently serves as commissioner at-large of the Town of Princess Anne, and is focused on advocating for better housing, schools and safer communities.

“Making sure that our farmers, our fishermen are taken care of here on the Eastern Shore, as well as our youth and as well as our small businesses,” she said.

To bring in more affordable housing, Marshall says he would support more developments in Somerset County where he says the cost of ownership is lower. “We kind of need to focus on developing Somerset County for retirees and for new families,” he said.

Johnson’s approach to address housing is introducing legislation that supports transportation access and the local economy. “We have to bring economic development into the area that can sustain the families, that families can survive off of one income,” she said.

Marshall said he will want to put constituents first, regardless of party lines.

“My platform is simple. It’s Eastern Shore first,” he said. “If it’s a Republican, if it’s a Democrat, if it’s an independent who’s got an idea that’s going to affect the Eastern Shore in a positive manner, then I’m willing to listen.”

Johnson said she’s willing to put the work in to listen to all constituents​’ issues.

“I want everyone to know that their concerns, their issues will be voiced when I become delegate, that I definitely am going to address everyone’s issues and I’m going to fight for everyone,” she said.