ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today released the following statement regarding House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ plans to step down from the speakership.
“Speaker Adrienne Jones has been a friend and mentor long before she ever earned the title “Speaker.” Her leadership and mentorship has been instrumental to myself and so many others who serve the people of Maryland. She leads by example, putting service above self across five decades, and will not change as she steps down from leadership while still serving District 10.
“As she said, the end of the year is always a time for reflection, and I think it's important we reflect on the impact she has made during her tenure. Because she made history, but always understood that was never the assignment. She led the fight to ensure Maryland's students had the facilities they deserve. The creation of the Department of Social and Economic Mobility will reverberate for generations as our state continues the fight against the persistent economic and racial inequality. Our HBCU's are stronger because of her efforts to get them the funding required to be some of the best higher education institutions in the country and she is a key figure in the transformation of UMBC into a world renowned research institution. These are but a small sample of her body of work.
“Throughout her career, she never flinched from stepping into the gap. That work continues, and our state is better off because of it. Marylanders who will never meet her and may not even know her name will have their lives made better by her work.
“I will work with Speaker Jones, her leadership team, and all members of the House of Delegates to assist in any way they deem fit to ensure a smooth transition as they make their decision about who will next lead their body.”
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