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

See Full Page