Overview
- Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes, Economic Matters Chair C.T. Wilson, and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Jheanelle Wilkins withdrew and endorsed Peña-Melnyk, effectively clearing the field.
- The 102-member Democratic caucus plans to choose its nominee on Dec. 16, and Peña-Melnyk says she will present her case to colleagues before the vote.
- If elected, she would be the second woman to lead a Maryland legislative chamber and the first person born in the Dominican Republic to lead either chamber.
- The next speaker will face a projected $1.5 billion budget shortfall, pressure for midcycle congressional redistricting, and potential veto overrides including a reparations study bill.
- A House member since 2007 and chair of Health and Government Operations since 2022, Peña-Melnyk and her backers highlight an inclusive, collaborative style aimed at avoiding a 2019-style deadlock.