Elliott was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1986 to represent District 4B, which covers Carroll and Frederick Counties.

He later attended St. John's University, New York, to continue his study of pharmaceutical chemistry.

Elliott served in the United States Navy and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1971, retiring at the rank of Lt.

Delegate Elliott introduced legislation in the 2008 session centering on personal responsibility with regards to health insurance.

The personal responsibility concept has been endorsed by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and also former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.