Full Breakdown
Maryland General Assembly to Convene Special Session for House Speaker Election
12/11/2025, 12:27:07 AM
Special Session Announcement
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has called a special session of the General Assembly to elect a new House Speaker following the resignation of Adrienne Jones. The session is scheduled for December 16, 2025, just weeks before the regular legislative session begins on January 14, 2026. Jones, who served as the first Black and first female Speaker since 2019, announced her departure last week, stating her intention to focus on mentoring and committee work while continuing her role as a delegate for District 10.
Context of the Transition
Adrienne Jones's tenure as Speaker was marked by significant legislative achievements, including navigating the House through the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing major criminal justice reforms. Her resignation has prompted discussions about her successor, with Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk emerging as the frontrunner. Peña-Melnyk, who represents parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, would make history as the first Afro-Latina to hold the position if elected.
Legislative Agenda for the Special Session
While the primary purpose of the special session is to elect a new Speaker, the General Assembly may also address other legislative matters. Notably, lawmakers are expected to consider overriding several vetoes issued by Governor Moore during the previous session, including a bill to establish a Maryland Reparations Commission aimed at studying reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals. Senate President Bill Ferguson confirmed that the Senate is constitutionally required to consider these veto overrides during the special session.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Moore's office indicated that while the special session could address various legislative issues, redistricting will not be on the agenda. A spokesperson clarified that the governor is not concerned about potential veto overrides. Ferguson expressed support for the House's efforts, stating, "The Senate supports our colleagues in the House of Delegates and is looking forward to joining them as they elect a new Speaker."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the focus on electing a new Speaker, there are concerns regarding the lack of transparency about the session's agenda. Critics argue that the absence of a clear plan may hinder effective governance and legislative progress. Additionally, some lawmakers have expressed disappointment that redistricting discussions will not occur during this session, despite ongoing debates about partisan gerrymandering in Maryland.
What's Next
The special session will convene at the State House in Annapolis, with proceedings expected to begin at noon. The election of the new Speaker will be conducted during a public floor session, which will be streamed live. Following this session, the regular legislative session will commence on January 14, 2026, where the newly elected Speaker will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda for the year ahead.
