UPDATED: Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk Elected Speaker of the House during Special Session Tuesday
Swearing-in of Maryland House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk (Del – Prince George’s County) during a Special Session Tuesday / Photo courtesy Maryland.gov
UPDATED – 12/16/25 – The Maryland House of Delegates has elected a new speaker – Prince George’s County Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk – during a special legislative session on Tuesday. She received glowing recommendations from both sides of the aisle during the nomination process and a unanimous voice vote for election from the full chamber.
Pena-Melnyk is the first immigrant and Latin American woman to lead the chamber.
Her election comes after Adrienne Jones announced earlier this month that she would step down from the position after 6 years as speaker.
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ORIGINAL STORY – 12/15/25 – Maryland Governor Wes Moore last week signed an executive order calling for a special session of the Maryland General Assembly. They will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16 at noon.
Lawmakers will elect a new House Speaker after Adrienne Jones announced that she would step down from the position. Other business – including veto overrides, may be considered as well prior to the start of the next legislative session on Wednesday, January 14th.