Governor Moore Calls Special Legislative Session to Elect New House Speaker

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has officially convened a special session of the Maryland General Assembly, set to begin on Tuesday, December 16. This extraordinary session has been called in response to the upcoming departure of Adrienne A. Jones, who will be stepping down after six years as Speaker of the House. The primary focus of this session will be the election of a new Speaker to lead the House of Delegates. Lawmakers may also address other pressing matters before the start of the regular 2026 legislative session, which is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

The decision to convene a special session underscores the immediate need to ensure continuity in legislative leadership. The House of Delegates will convene to elect a successor to Speaker Jones, a process that will shape the direction of the chamber for the upcoming legislative term. While the election of a new Speaker is the central purpose, the General Assembly’s potential to address other outstanding business could result in additional changes, such as the proposed Congressional redistricting.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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