Former Maryland Delegate Carolyn Howard Has Died

Carolyn Howard represented District 24 and served as deputy speaker pro tem.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a neoclassical arched entrance, evoking the institutional legacy of the Maryland House of Delegates. — Carolyn Howard, a long-serving member of the Maryland House of Delegates who served as deputy speaker pro tem, has died at age 87. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Carolyn Howard, a long-serving member of the Maryland House of Delegates, has died at age 87. She served the state from 1988 until her retirement in 2019.

Why it matters

Howard was a fixture in Maryland politics for over three decades, notably serving as the deputy speaker pro tem for 12 years. Her career balanced legislative leadership with a background in education as a Prince George's County school principal.

Howard represented District 24 in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1988 to 2019 and held a master of education from Bowie State University. The cause of her death remains unreleased.

The players

Carolyn Howard

She was a former Maryland State Delegate who represented District 24 and worked as a school principal.

The details

Before her transition to state politics, Howard worked as a principal within the Prince George's County school system. She later became a key legislative leader, serving as deputy speaker pro tem from 2007 through 2019.

1988 to 2019 marks her tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates.
From 2007 to 2019, she served as deputy speaker pro tem.
Carolyn Howard died on September 19, 2026.

Culture Shift

This news follows a pattern set by the 2019 retirement of Maryland House of Delegates members, marking the end of a long-standing political career. Her passing highlights the generational transition of state leadership that began when long-term members like Howard stepped down.

Residents of Prince George's County may note the loss of a long-time representative who influenced local school administration. Her legacy remains tied to the district she served for over three decades.

The takeaway

Howard's career reflects the importance of combining professional experience in education with public legislative service. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the impact local officials have on state policy and school systems.