(The Center Square) – Maryland lawmakers will return to Annapolis on Dec. 16 for a special session to choose a new Speaker of the House of Delegates.
The session was scheduled after Speaker Adrienne A. Jones stepped down from the position on Dec. 4. Jones has served in the House since 1997 and represents District 10 in Baltimore County.
Jones announced her decision in a public letter to colleagues and constituents. In the letter, she said she will continue serving as a delegate and is leaving the speakership as she moves into what she described as a new phase of her work.
Gov. Wes Moore set the special session through an executive order issued Monday. The order says the House must elect a Speaker under its rules before the start of the next legislative session. It also allows lawmakers to take up any other matters the presiding officers submit.
Jones’ letter outlined some of the projects and policies she worked on during her tenure, including local funding priorities in Baltimore County and statewide education initiatives.
Senate President Bill Ferguson issued a public statement after receiving the governor’s proclamation.
“The Senate received the governor’s proclamation calling a special session next week. The Senate supports our colleagues in the House of Delegates and is looking forward to joining them as they elect a new Speaker,” Ferguson said.
State officials have acknowledged Jones’ departure by noting her long service in the General Assembly. Her retirement creates a vacancy the House must fill before the 2026 session begins.
The special session will convene at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16 in Annapolis. The governor’s order says the session will focus on electing the next Speaker and allows lawmakers to consider any other business submitted by chamber leadership.
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 14.
