A Baltimore County Democratic Party committee has unanimously recommended the appointment of Del. Carl Jackson to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Kathy Klausmeier, who was named county executive earlier this month.

The District 8 committee recommended Jackson over Del. Harry Bhandari, who also sought the open seat. Both men have served in the House of Delegates since 2019.

The committee made its recommendation after interviewing both candidates on Tuesday night. The choice is expected to be ratified by the full committee of the Baltimore County Democratic Party on Thursday night and forwarded to Gov. Wes Moore, who has 15 days to make an official appointment.

Klausmeier represented Baltimore County in the state Senate for more than two decades and served in the House of Delegates before that. The Baltimore County Council this month appointed her to serve out the term of Johnny Olszewski Jr., a Democrat who was elected to Congress in November.

Both Jackson and Bhandari represent District 8 in the House and would continue to do so if appointed to the Senate. The district includes Carney, Overlea, Perry Hall, Parkville, Towson, Rossville, Rosedale and White Marsh.

Jackson, 40, is a longtime county resident who has held various jobs in the University of Maryland system. He was appointed to the legislature in 2019 to fill the seat of retiring Del. Eric Bromwell.

On Tuesday night, the District 8 committee asked both candidates a dozen questions, including their proudest achievements and why they were interested in the open seat.

Bhandari shared his personal story, from his upbringing in poverty in Nepal to his political career in Maryland. The 47-year-old educator said these experiences shaped his approach to public service.

Asked how he would combat President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts, he said, “In Maryland, we do not turn our backs on the tired, the poor and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

“I’ll fight to ensure Maryland remains a safe haven. I’m working with caucus members and organizations to protect these families, to strengthen sanctuary laws and to expand funding for legal aid,” he said.

Jackson, a longtime Democratic activist, touted endorsements from local politicos, including Olszewski and Del. Nick Allen, who also represented District 8. He said that as a state senator, he would look to level the playing field in underserved swaths of District 8 and Maryland by investing in small and minority-owned businesses.

He said he would also focus on consumer and worker protections, affordable housing, job training, education, the environment, public safety and affordable energy.

“Each community is different, and each one has different needs,” he said. “What is important is that each and every one has access to their elected officials and has the ability to express their needs with the understanding that they will not only be heard, but that their needs will be met.”

The new senator will serve out the remainder of Klausmeier’s term, which ends in January 2027.