Del. Sophocleus laid to rest, but stays on Md. ballot — what happens now?

WASHINGTON — Maryland Delegate Ted Sophocleus’ funeral was on Friday, but his name remains on the ballot in the Democratic primary.

Sophocleus died after complications from surgery earlier this month.

At the time of his death, Sophocleus, a Democrat, was running for a sixth term in the Maryland House of Delegates in District 32, where voters select three candidates to fill the available slots.

If Sophocleus is among the top three vote-getters, it’s expected the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee would select someone — and it doesn’t have to be a current candidate — to fill the slot heading into the general election in November.

Sophocleus was a conservative Democrat who had friends across the aisle and was popular, according to Maryland Matters.

He was 79 years old and was one of the longest-serving public officials in Anne Arundel County.

Kate Ryan

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

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