"I am stepping back as Speaker of the House Effective Immediately" Adrienne A. Jones, First Black Maryland House Speaker, Leaves Post After Six Years, Retains Delegate Seat

Adrienne A. Jones, the first Black lawmaker to serve as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, announced she is stepping down from the leadership post after six years, while continuing to represent District 10 in Baltimore County. 

Speaker Jones became a Member of the Maryland House of Delegates on October 21, 1997. Appointed in a special session after the passing of former Speaker Michael Busch, Jones has been House Speaker since May 1, 2019, 

 In a statement, Speaker Jones said it was time to “step back as Speaker” and focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Delegate Dana Stein, who serves Baltimore in District 11, will serve as interim Speaker until a permanent successor is chosen. The House Democratic Caucus has scheduled a vote for a new Speaker on December 16.