Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones steps down

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones is stepping down from her position, her office confirmed in a letter Thursday.

Jones, 71, was Maryland's first Black female speaker. She has served as a member of the House of Delegates since 1997 and as House Speaker since 2019. 

She will continue to serve as the delegate of District 10.

"Now is the time for me to step back and 'raise high' the stars of my leadership team," Jones said in the letter. "I am turning my attention to coaching and mentoring and offering guidance and support to the next Speaker for a smooth transition." 

Speaker Pro Tem Dana Stein will fulfill the responsibilities until the House elects a new speaker. The Chair of the House Democratic Caucus scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. to nominate someone to assume the role, Jones said.

"When elected Speaker, I never intended this to be forever," Jones said. "I wanted to help build the next generation of House leaders and prepare them for the challenges in front of us as a State. Now is that time - and I look forward to seeing this mighty House of Delegates continue to grow."

Adrienne Jones' career 

Jones grew up in Baltimore County. 

During her career, she has worked to make it easier for women to get into politics. During a 2022 interview with WJZ, she advised women seeking roles in politics to get involved where they live and work.

"You need to be engaged with your community. By doing that, you will know what the needs of the community are," she said. "And your strengths and your gifts are needed throughout the community if you look at it that way, and we need more women in that area."

One of her first moves as Speaker was to add a new women's bathroom at the statehouse. 

"I added an additional restroom for the women, she previously told WJZ. "Because that's something I had experienced as a regular member, the long lines, and I said mm-mm."

Maryland lawmakers react to Speaker Jones's resignation

Maryland lawmakers and elected officials complemented House Speaker Jones after her announcement.

Governor Wes Moore said that Jones's "leadership and mentorship have been instrumental to me and so many people who serve the people of Maryland."

"She leads by example, putting service above self across five decades," the governor added. 

Comptroller Brooke Lierman said she was "proud to vote for her to become Speaker, to serve alongside her, and to learn from her during my eight years in the House."

"Speaker Jones is one of the strongest and most compassionate people I have ever met. I am deeply grateful for her leadership and look forward to continuing to work with her to build a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous Maryland," Lierrman said.

U.S. Congressman Johnny Olszewski said Jones did her job without seeking headlines or the spotlight.

"Instead, she has led with a steady, unassuming hand — an approach that has proven remarkably effective, from securing constitutional protections for women's healthcare to helping steer the state through a global pandemic," Olszewski said.

 U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen thanked Jones for her "historic leadership and tireless commitment to our state."

"It's been an honor to work alongside you for so many years, and Maryland is stronger than ever because of your service," Van Hollen added.

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier called Jones a "remarkable leader for Maryland and a true trailblazer."

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said Jones has been a "trailblazer and steadfast partner throughout my career in public service."

Republicans -- Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey and Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready -- issued a joint statement, saying, "While Republicans did not often share the same policy priorities, we nevertheless respect her decades of service to Maryland."

The statement continued, "Speaker Jones broke barriers and stood as a historic figure in Maryland politics. We appreciate her contributions to the state and look forward to working with the next Speaker to meet Maryland's challenges."

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said Speaker Jones's "thoughtful leadership, wise counsel, and heartfelt nature have been invaluable."

"Speaker Jones leaves a legacy of transformative policy, and Marylanders are better off because of her service as the Speaker of Maryland's House of Delegates," Ferguson added.