ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Delegate Adrienne Jones, the former Speaker of the House of Delegates, has withdrawn her reelection bid for her District 10 seat.
Jones stepped down from the Speakership role in early December, and the General Assembly held a special session to elect Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the new Speaker.
She withdrew her candidacy on Friday, February 27.
Former Speaker Adrienne Jones withdraws from reelection for delegate seat
Jones hasn't been recorded present for a quorum call on the floor of the House since Friday, January 16, the third day of the Session.
We reached out to her campaign team at Rice Consulting about the extended absence from the State House, and they said she is on a medical leave of absence.
With Jones's withdrawal from the race, there are now six candidates running for the three seats in District 10.
Three delegates represent District 10. Dels. Jennifer White Holland and N. Scott Phillips, both Democrats, have filed for reelection. They released the statement below along with District 10 Senator Ben Brooks, on Jones' retirement.
On behalf of the District 10 Unity Team — Senator Ben Brooks, Delegate Jennifer White Holland, and Delegate N. Scott Phillips:
We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Former Speaker Adrienne A. Jones for her exceptional leadership, steadfast service, and enduring commitment to the people of Baltimore County and the State of Maryland.
Speaker Jones' tenure as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates was historic, propelling her to national recognition as the first woman and first African American to serve as Speaker of Maryland's history. She led with integrity, intellect, and an unwavering focus on serving constituents and advancing progress in the General Assembly and throughout our communities.
Her service, however, did not begin with the Speaker's gavel. Long before her election to the House of Delegates, Speaker Jones was deeply engaged in public service — advancing education, economic development, and fairness in government — has been a defining hallmark of her career.
She brought all her leadership qualities with visionary and unifying focus most recently in building the District 10 Unity Team — bringing together leaders committed to collaboration over division and results over rhetoric. That spirit is one that allowed our district delegation to work efficiently and unitedly on behalf of our constituents.
With profound respect and appreciation,
Senator Ben Brooks Delegate Jennifer White Holland Delegate N. Scott Phillips
