In March 2017, Bill Otto was hired as the executive director of the St. Charles County Democratic Central Committee.

[3] In February 2018, Otto announced his run for the Missouri House District 65, located in St. Charles County; he lost to incumbent Tom Hannegan by less than two percent in November.

He was in the United States Navy from 1976 to 1983 and served in VAQ-136 Prowler Squadron at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

[10] After a campaign with no primary opposition, Otto lost his bid for the 2nd District Congressional seat to Representative Ann Wagner.

In the November general election, he lost to incumbent Republican Tom Hannegan by less than two percent of the vote.