Tributes and thanks poured in from all corners of Maryland for Del. Adrienne Jones (D- District 10) as she announced the end of her historic tenure as the first African-American and woman to serve as speaker of Maryland’s House of Delegates, effective on Dec. 5.
“Acknowledging the changes in my life leaves me both pensive and hopeful. Committed to the continued work of community for the people of this great state of Maryland, I am stepping back as speaker of the House effective immediately,” she said in a statement on Dec. 4. “I will remain as a delegate representing the best district in Maryland, District 10. Now is the time for me to step back and ‘raise high’ the stars of my leadership team.”
Del. Dana Stein (D- District 11B), who was speaker pro-tem, is temporarily serving as speaker, and an election will be held during a meeting of the Democratic caucus on Dec. 16.
“I’m sad that she’s stepping down because she’s been a steady presence at the helm of the House of Delegates now for six years, but she leaves a very impressive legacy,” said Stein in an interview with WYPR. “She was instrumental in getting the abortion rights referendum on the ballot, support for HBCUs, diversity and equity – the list is a long one.”
Jones began serving in Maryland’s General Assembly in 1997, eventually rising to serve as the speaker pro tempore, vice chair of the appropriations committee, and chair of the capital budget subcommittee under longtime Speaker Michael Busch (D-District 30).
Following Busch’s death in 2019, Jones was elected to lead the House of Delegates.
“I have spent my life giving back to my community, the people of Baltimore County and the state of Maryland. Serving my community in local government, as a delegate and the speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates has been my greatest honor,” Jones said in the Thursday statement.
While she stepped down as speaker, Jones plans to provide guidance toward selecting the legislature’s new leader.
“I am turning my attention to coaching and mentoring and offering guidance and support to the next speaker for a smooth transition. When elected speaker, I never intended this to be forever. I wanted to help build the next generation of House leaders and prepare them for the challenges in front of us as a state,” she emphasized. “Now is that time – and I look forward to seeing this mighty House of Delegates continue to grow.”
Local Leaders, Organizations Celebrate Jones’ Contributions
Jones’ legislative legacy includes police reform, expanded and protected reproductive rights, legalized recreational cannabis, and hundreds of millions of funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“Our HBCUs are stronger because of her efforts to get them the funding required to be some of the best higher education institutions in the country, and she has been a key figure in the transformation of UMBC into a world-renowned research institution,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a Dec. 4 statement. “This is but a small sample of her body of work.”
Statues of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Justice Thurgood Marshall were also unveiled in the state’s capital during her tenure as speaker.
Further, as a longtime legislator, Jones has inspired several local politicians in their work and leadership.
“Adrienne Jones was a friend and mentor long before she ever earned the title ‘speaker.’ Her leadership and mentorship have been instrumental to me and so many others who serve the people of Maryland,” Moore continued. “She leads by example, putting service above self across five decades, and that will not change as she steps down from leadership while still serving District 10.”
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland posted a tribute to Jones, celebrating her work and contributions.
“Her extraordinary leadership, historic tenure, and unwavering devotion to the people of Maryland have left an indelible mark on our state and for generations to come,” the caucus wrote in a Dec. 5 statement. “Speaker Jones has served in the Maryland General Assembly since 1997 and throughout decades of service, she has remained one of the most engaged, respected, and dedicated members of the Legislative Black Caucus.”
Further, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), also the first African-American woman to serve in her role, said she has long revered Jones for her work and service to the state.
“Speaker Jones is a trailblazer, a fearless advocate for the people of Maryland, and a bold leader who has made our state better… Her compassion knows no bounds. And her north star throughout her years of service never changed — improving the lives of Marylanders,” Alsobrooks wrote in a statement posted to social media on Dec. 7. “I know I speak for so many others when I say to Speaker Jones, thank you for your service. Thank you for paving the way for so many of us. And thank you for never lacking the courage to stand in the arena and fight for Marylanders every single day.”
Lauding Jones for her years of service and continued commitment to the state, Moore promised he would help as needed as the Maryland House discerns its next leader.
“Throughout her career, she never flinched from stepping into the gap. That work continues, and our state is better off because of it. Marylanders who will never meet her and may not even know her name will have their lives made better by her work,” Moore said. “I will work with Speaker Jones, her leadership team, and all members of the House of Delegates to assist in any way they deem fit to ensure a smooth transition as they make their decision about who will next lead their body.”
Speaker Election Set for Dec. 16, Peña-Melnyk Emerges as Favorite
The Dec. 16 election will determine Maryland’s next speaker of the House, and will likely be held by a secret ballot, but can also be conducted via voice vote.
When Jones stepped down, rumored candidates included: Health and Government Operations Chair Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21); Appropriations chair Del. Ben Barnes (D- District 21); Legislative Black Caucus Chair Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D- District 20); Economic Matters Chair Del. Del. CT Wilson (D- District 28); House of Delegates Whip Del. Jazz Lewis (D- District 24).
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy endorsed Peña-Melnyk, and the remaining speaker candidates dropped out to the District 21 delegate.
“We know Joseline from her long service in Annapolis and have partnered with her to make Maryland stronger – from public health to public safety to improving schools,” read a joint statement from Scott and Braveboy on Dec. 7. “Joseline is a strong leader. She listens and builds coalitions. And she is well-equipped to bring together the diverse people in our Democratic family.”
Rachel Jones, who formerly represented District 27 and recently announced her campaign for delegate, was a strong supporter of the former speaker during her time in Annapolis.
“The role of the speaker is to set the tone of the House. To lead the majority party and govern the entire body with authority and decorum. Speaker Jones did that, and with such humility,” she told The Informer. “The potential candidates for Speaker of the House are all people that I previously served with and they possess a lot of qualities a Speaker should have. “
During her time in the General Assembly, she sponsored legislation to disclose developmental disabilities on driver’s licenses and strengthen drug reporting policy.
Following her tenure in the House, the former District 27 representative worked with the Department of Agriculture and testified on several bills, including a hearing held by Peña-Melnyk to study the bird flu.
“Delegate Pena-Melnyk possesses both the poise and grit that it takes to lead as speaker. Known for mentoring others and bringing them into leadership roles, she has the ability to work well with people across party lines and isn’t easily rattled by opposition. She has experience crafting and championing groundbreaking legislation,” she continued. “I don’t envy the current members of the House who must select from a field of highly qualified colleagues. However, Pena-Melnyk would be an excellent choice to lead in the challenging times ahead.”
Peña-Melnyk, whose District touches parts of Prince Geoge’s and Anne Arundel Counties, also mentors the current House candidate, and has encouraged her toward other leadership opportunities, including serving on the board of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer.
“She thinks about people’s strengths and passions and encourages you to engage in new ways,” Jones, a candidate for delegate, continued. “I count her as a friend.”