Pioneering Speaker Jones to retire, Schaufele moves on, and a zebra debate, in political notes

By: Bryan P. Sears, Christine Condon

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: February 26, 2026

Words: 1,048

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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The historic legislative career of Del. Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) is coming to a close.

Jones, the first woman and first Black to serve as House speaker, has filed to withdraw as a candidate in the 2026 election, according to state election officials.

Jones was first appointed to the House in 1997. She went on to win the next seven elections, and was speaker for the last six years, before she abruptly stepped down …

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