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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 21 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Members of the Maryland House of Delegates represent their local districts in the state legislature by proposing, debating, and voting on laws that impact public education, healthcare, and transportation. They work alongside the state Senate to pass Maryland’s annual budget and determine how tax dollars are allocated to community services and infrastructure projects. This office is vital because delegates shape the statewide policies and spending priorities that directly influence the daily lives of all residents.
View all candidates in this raceJoseline A. Peña-Melnyk has represented Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties in Maryland's General Assembly for nearly twenty years as a state delegate before being elected Speaker of the House in December 2025, succeeding Adrienne Jones. She emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States with her single mother and sister, becoming an Equal Opportunity Program scholar and the first in her family to attend college. Her legal career includes serving as a defense attorney, prosecutor in Eric Holder's U.S. Attorney's Office, court-appointed advocate for abused and neglected children, and College Park City Council member before joining the Maryland House of Delegates in 2006. She served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee since 2022 and brings extensive experience to her new role as Speaker.
Sources: Campaign website
"When I look back on it now, I see how much I benefited from programs that open doors for minority students."
"Joseline feels an obligation to fight for people on society's margins – the ones who are often overlooked."
"She is tenacious and doesn't hesitate to roll up her sleeves, do the heavy lifting, or to take a controversial stand."
"Let's make Maryland stronger together!"
Source: joselinepenamelnyk.com
Healthcare
Joseline has made great strides to improve the healthcare system by making it more efficient and in line with the needs of everyday Marylanders. Her legislation to digitize medical records is improving health care delivery and lowering costs.
“Her committee in the House deals with public health and she has made great strides to improve the healthcare system by making it more efficient and in line with the needs of everyday Marylanders.”
Criminal Justice
Joseline co-sponsored repeal of the death penalty (HB 0295, 2013) and supported 'ban the box' on state employment forms to improve employment options for people with criminal convictions. She also pushed for police accountability including ending race based traffic stops.
“She co-sponsored repeal of the death penalty (HB 0295, 2013) and she supported 'ban the box' on state employment forms because we need to improve employment options for people with criminal convictions if we are to break the cycle of incarceration.”
Economic Development
Joseline co-sponsored legislation to increase the minimum wage, expand opportunities for minority businesses, broaden the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, crack down on mortgage fraud, and create state apprenticeship and workforce development programs.
“She co-sponsored legislation to increase the minimum wage, expand opportunities for minority businesses, broaden the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, crack down on mortgage fraud, and create state apprenticeship and workforce development programs in our secondary schools and community colleges.”
Government Ethics
Joseline is a strong advocate for a people's democracy and supports public campaign financing to limit the corrosive effects of large contributions and constant fundraising on our democracy.
“Finally, Joseline is a strong advocate for a people's democracy and supports public campaign financing to limit the corrosive effects of large contributions and constant fundraising on our democracy.”
Environment
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation notes Peña-Melnyk brings experience in environmental progress, with CBF looking forward to working with her on critical environmental priorities including climate change resilience.
“Speaker Peña-Melnyk has been a state representative for nearly 20 years... The committee has seen firsthand the importance of efficient, well-resourced government services to achieve environmental progress.”
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation congratulated Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk on her historic election as Maryland House Speaker in December 2025, noting she succeeds Speaker Adrienne Jones who stepped down earlier that year. CBF Executive Director Allison Colden praised Peña-Melnyk for Maryland's environmental stewardship legacy and expressed anticipation for continued prioritization of the environment in policy and budget decisions under her leadership.
“Her committee in the House deals with public health and she has made great strides to improve the healthcare system by making it more efficient and in line with the needs of everyday Marylanders.”
Source“She co-sponsored repeal of the death penalty (HB 0295, 2013) and she supported 'ban the box' on state employment forms because we need to improve employment options for people with criminal convictions if we are to break the cycle of incarceration.”
Source“She co-sponsored legislation to increase the minimum wage, expand opportunities for minority businesses, broaden the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, crack down on mortgage fraud, and create state apprenticeship and workforce development programs.”
Source“Finally, Joseline is a strong advocate for a people's democracy and supports public campaign financing to limit the corrosive effects of large contributions and constant fundraising on our democracy.”
Source“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) congratulates Speaker Peña-Melnyk on her historic election and looks forward to working with her on critical environmental priorities.”
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