Del. Adrienne Jones to retire after nearly 30 years

Pioneering Maryland lawmaker steps down after decades of service

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Delegate Adrienne Jones, the first woman and first African American to serve as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, has announced her retirement after nearly 30 years in office. Jones, 71, has held a Baltimore County House seat since 1994 and served as Speaker from 2019 to 2025 before stepping down in December.

Why it matters

Jones' retirement marks the end of an era in Maryland politics, as she was a trailblazing leader who broke barriers and paved the way for greater diversity in the state legislature. Her departure will leave a significant void in the state's Democratic leadership.

The details

Jones withdrew her paperwork to run for re-election on Friday, citing ongoing medical leave. She was the first woman and first African American to hold the powerful position of House Speaker, a job she had for six years until stepping down in December 2025. Current House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk credited Jones with paving the way for her own ascension to the role.

  • Jones has held her Baltimore County House seat since 1994.
  • She served as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2019 to 2025.
  • Jones stepped down as Speaker in December 2025.
  • Jones withdrew her re-election paperwork on March 2, 2026.

The players

Adrienne Jones

A pioneering Maryland state lawmaker who was the first woman and first African American to serve as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, a position she held from 2019 to 2025.

Joseline Pena-Melnyk

The current Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, who credited Jones with paving the way for her own ascension to the role.

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What they’re saying

“I would not be in my current job without Adrienne Jones.”

— Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates

The takeaway

Adrienne Jones' retirement marks the end of a pioneering career in Maryland politics, as she broke barriers as the first woman and first African American to serve as Speaker of the House. Her departure will leave a significant void in the state's Democratic leadership.