Governor Wes Moore Calls Special Session
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a special session scheduled for next week to elect a successor for outgoing House Speaker Adrienne Jones. However, the Democrat-controlled General Assembly will not address the contentious issue of redistricting in advance of the 2026 midterm elections.
Governor Moore, a member of the Democratic Party, issued an executive order for the special session to commence on December 16, following Jones’s announcement last week regarding her decision to step down after six significant years in leadership.
Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk has emerged as the leading candidate after three potential rivals withdrew their names from consideration over the weekend and endorsed her. Pena-Melnyk represents parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. Meanwhile, Jones will continue her role in the General Assembly after resigning from her position as House speaker.
The upcoming 30-day session will also allow lawmakers to revisit bills that Governor Moore previously vetoed, including proposals related to reparations.
The governor is seeking to participate in nationwide redistricting efforts as preparations begin for the 2026 congressional midterm elections. He aims to redraw congressional maps within Maryland to eliminate the state’s last Republican-held seat in the U.S. House.
The mid-cycle redistricting process typically occurs every decade following the census and is intended to counteract similar efforts by GOP-led states. However, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has shown hesitance towards engaging in redistricting discussions due to concerns that legal challenges could jeopardize Maryland’s Democratic representation in Congress.
If Ferguson maintains his stance, he may prevent Governor Moore’s redistricting proposal from being brought up for a vote.
