Del. Joselyn Peña-Melnyk Likely Maryland’s Next House Speaker

December 15, 2025

Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, a Dominican-born Democrat from District 21, is set to become speaker of Maryland's House of Delegates on December 16, making her only the second Latina presiding officer in U.S. history. She will succeed Adrienne Jones, Maryland's first Black and female speaker, who achieved significant progressive victories including police reform, cannabis legalization, and reproductive rights protections.

Who is affected

Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (incoming speaker)
Speaker Adrienne Jones (outgoing speaker)
Maryland House of Delegates members
Maryland residents, particularly working families, immigrants, and underserved communities
Del. Bonnie Cullison (likely new HGO committee chair)
Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (resigning from General Assembly)
Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (likely new Ways and Means committee chair)
Del. Ben Barnes (withdrew candidacy and endorsed Peña-Melnyk)
Latina and immigrant communities in Maryland

What action is being taken

A special session is scheduled for December 16 to elect the new speaker
Del. Vanessa Atterbeary is resigning from the Maryland General Assembly effective January 14, 2026
Peña-Melnyk is preparing to transition into the speaker role

Why it matters

This represents a historic milestone as Peña-Melnyk becomes only the second Latina presiding officer in American history, continuing Maryland's recent trend of diverse leadership. Her elevation ensures continuity of progressive policy priorities including healthcare reform, immigrant protections, and equity initiatives that have defined recent legislative sessions. The transition demonstrates significant representation for Latino and immigrant communities in Maryland while maintaining bipartisan respect, which could facilitate effective governance across political divides.

What's next

Special session on December 16 to formally elect Peña-Melnyk as speaker
Del. Bonnie Cullison is likely to assume chairmanship of the Health and Government Operations committee
Del. Jheanelle Wilkins is likely to chair the Ways and Means committee in the upcoming session
Del. Vanessa Atterbeary's resignation becomes effective January 14, 2026

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer