A delegate representing Maryland‘s Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties is breaking racial barriers as the next speaker of the state’s House of Delegates.
Joseline Peña-Melnyk is making history
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, D–Md. 21, was unanimously elected as the first Afro-Latina and first immigrant speaker of the House on Tuesday after a special meeting of the House Democrats and backing from the Democratic Caucus, the chamber’s majority leadership, WTOP reported.
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“I really don’t have enough words to express how I feel about my colleagues trusting me with this enormous responsibility to lead,” Peña-Melnyk, who’s 59, told reporters after the 40-minute caucus meeting. “I’m an inclusive leader, and I’m going to lead with my colleagues. This House belongs to all of us.”
Peña-Melnyk currently serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee and Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, according to her official website…