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Peña-Melnyk Emerges as Democrats’ Likely Nominee for Maryland House Speaker Ahead of Dec. 16 Vote

If selected, she would confront a $1.5 billion shortfall with caucus demands for midcycle redistricting.

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Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk, D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties, during a Maryland House floor session on Saturday.
Del. Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk, a Democrat representing Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties, has also been a guest of Brown's. Many other members of the General Assembly have been there as well.

Overview

  • Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes, Economic Matters Chair C.T. Wilson and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Jheanelle Wilkins exited the race and endorsed Joseline Peña-Melnyk.
  • The 102-member House Democratic caucus will meet on Dec. 16 to choose a nominee before a full House vote.
  • Peña-Melnyk, a lawyer and health policy veteran, chairs the Health and Government Operations Committee and has served since 2007.
  • Her election would make her the second woman to lead a Maryland legislative chamber and the first person born in the Dominican Republic to preside over either chamber.
  • If elected, early tasks include closing a projected $1.5 billion budget gap, weighing possible veto overrides such as a reparations commission bill, and addressing calls for midcycle congressional redistricting.