John Astle (D) Mayoral Candidate

Love of country has guided John Astle throughout a career that has included service in the military, law enforcement, and the General Assembly.

John joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. His nine years of active service included a tour of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and a tour as a Presidential helicopter pilot. As a Marine, John earned numerous personal decorations including the Legion of Merit, two Purple Hearts, the Meritorious Service Medal, 31 air medals, and the Presidential Service Badge.

After resigning his regular commission in 1975, John began a 21-year commitment with the Marine Corps Reserves. During that time, he volunteered and served five months’ active duty in the Persian Gulf War. He retired as a Colonel from the Reserves in 1996.

John has continued his public service by serving the people of Maryland first as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and currently as a member of the . A respected leader, John serves as Vice-Chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, where he plays a key role in shaping state policy on energy, healthcare, banking and insurance. He also serves as Chairman of the Anne Arundel County Senate Delegation, and as a member of the Joint Audit Committee, the Legislative Policy Committee and the Joint Information Technology and Biotechnology Committee.

An avid sportsman and environmental advocate, John is a long-time supporter of the National Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. He spearheaded the creation of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus in 2001, which led to the creation of a National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. He is the current Senate Chair of the Maryland Caucus and the Immediate Past President of the national organization. John also serves in key leadership positions with organizations working to restore the Chesapeake Bay, including a position on the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Board of Trustees.

John is a member of the Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International and is an active member of the Maryland Veterans Caucus. He is a member of the board of the Maryland Tourism Development Board and an active member of the Maryland Military Installation Council. John lives in Annapolis with his wife Jayne.