John Astle


John Astle is an American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. He served four terms in the Maryland State Senate and three terms in the Maryland House of Delegates representing Maryland's District 30 in Anne Arundel County.

Background

Astle was born in Charles Town, West Virginia and grew up in Barboursville. He graduated in 1966 from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and attended the Catholic University of America.

Military service — United States Marine Corps

He joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1961 and received a commission as an officer in the Marine Corps through its Platoon Leaders Class program upon graduation from Marshall. He was a Naval Aviator flying helicopters and left active duty with the rank of Captain. He also flew the Presidential helicopter for three and a half years.
He retired from the Marine Corps Reserves as a Colonel after 30 years of service. He saw combat in Vietnam, earning 34 Air Medals and 2 Purple Hearts. He was recalled to active duty for Desert Storm.

Political career

Astle was originally elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1982. He was elected to the State Senate in 1994 and was Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee from 2003 to 2019.
Astle ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Annapolis in 2017, losing in the Democratic primary. Astle also ran for mayor in 1981, losing by 243 votes in the general election.

Election results