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Adrienne Jones Steps Down as Speaker

December 8, 2025

Maryland Delegate Adrienne Jones stepped down from her historic position as the state's first African-American woman speaker of the House of Delegates on December 5, though she will continue serving as a delegate for District 10. During her six-year tenure as speaker, which began after the 2019 death of her predecessor Michael Busch, Jones championed significant legislation including police reform, abortion rights protections, recreational cannabis legalization, and secured hundreds of millions in funding for historically Black colleges and universities. The Maryland House Democratic caucus will hold an election on December 16 to select her successor, with Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk emerging as the leading candidate after other contenders withdrew and she received endorsements from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy.

Who is affected

  • Del. Adrienne Jones (stepping down as speaker but remaining as delegate)
  • Del. Dana Stein (temporarily serving as speaker)
  • Maryland House of Delegates members
  • District 10 constituents (Jones' district)
  • The Maryland Democratic caucus
  • Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Maryland
  • Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (leading candidate for speaker)
  • Other speaker candidates: Del. Ben Barnes, Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, Del. CT Wilson, and Del. Jazz Lewis (who dropped out)
  • The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland
  • Gov. Wes Moore
  • Sen. Angela Alsobrooks
  • Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott
  • Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy

What action is being taken

  • Del. Dana Stein is temporarily serving as speaker
  • Jones is providing guidance toward selecting the legislature's new leader
  • Jones is coaching, mentoring, and offering support to the next speaker for a smooth transition
  • Gov. Wes Moore is working with Speaker Jones, her leadership team, and House members to assist in ensuring a smooth transition
  • Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy are endorsing Peña-Melnyk for speaker

Why it matters

  • This marks a significant leadership transition in Maryland's House of Delegates, concluding the tenure of the first African-American woman to serve as speaker. Jones' legacy includes major legislative accomplishments in police reform, reproductive rights, cannabis legalization, and substantial HBCU funding that strengthened institutions like UMBC into world-renowned research universities. Her leadership over six years provided stability and advancement on diversity and equity issues, and her departure creates an opportunity for new leadership while she continues serving her district and mentoring future leaders. The selection of her successor will determine the direction of Maryland's House of Delegates and its legislative priorities going forward.

What's next

  • The Maryland House Democratic caucus will hold an election on December 16 to select the next speaker
  • The election will likely be held by secret ballot, but can also be conducted via voice vote
  • Jones will continue serving as a delegate representing District 10
  • Jones will provide coaching, mentoring, guidance and support during the transition to the next speaker

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer