News Release, Maryland House Minority Caucus
Jones Elected With Unanimous Minority Caucus Support,
Becomes First African American and First Woman Elected Speaker In State History
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland House Minority Caucus today offered sincere congratulations to Delegate Adrienne A. Jones of Baltimore County on her historic election to Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. Speaker Jones, elected with unanimous Minority Caucus Support, becomes the first African American and the first woman to be elected Speaker in Maryland state history.
“Our Caucus is proud to have been a critical piece in this historic election and we offer heartfelt congratulations to the new Speaker of the House,” said House Minority Leader Nic Kipke. “Speaker Jones is a tremendous public servant and she represents the will and voice of her constituents and community with clear determination. She is someone we know we can work with and who will want to work with us. Ultimately, we believe in compromise and getting big things done for the people of Maryland and we know that Speaker Jones does as well.”
“As the Speaker Pro Tem, Speaker Jones was always fair to our members and made sure their voices were heard,” said House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga. “While we know we will be on opposing sides of certain issues going forward, we have faith that she will approach this new role with the same fairness and consideration she has always demonstrated.”
“The Speaker of the House represents every member of the chamber and every member should have a real vote in this selection process – and that is exactly what happened today,” said Delegate Kipke. “We are confident that Speaker Jones will make sure our voices, and the voices of our constituents, are heard and that our members will be treated fairly.”
