The next speaker of the House of Delegates will likely be a woman and immigrant.

Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, a Democrat representing Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, appears to have a clear path within the Democratic Caucus to become the next speaker. A vote is scheduled for Dec. 16.

Three of the four leading candidates to succeed former Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, have bowed out — Appropriations Committee Chair Ben Barnes, of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties; Economic Matters Committee Chair C.T. Wilson, of Charles County; and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Jheanelle Wilkins, of Montgomery County — effectively clearing the field for Peña-Melnyk, Maryland Matters has learned.

“I am really honored and very moved that Chairman Barnes … Black Ca

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