Democrat, Republican lawmakers to battle for new House Speaker in MD General Assembly

EASTON, Md. – Normally the Maryland General Assembly wouldn’t meet again until January of next year, but they’re making a special exception this year. Last week, Governor Larry Hogan signed an executive order calling for legislators to convene on May 1st to elect a new House Speaker following the death of Michael Busch. Delegate Sheree Sample Hughes tells 47 that the Democrats currently they hold a super-majority in the House, and will have a huge influence over who becomes the next speaker. But Republican lawmakers 47 spoke to say they’re not going down without a fight.

“It’s not everyday that you elect a new speaker. The republican caucus has met and I’m a member of the caucus and we’ve agreed to vote as a group for one of the three candidates to try and leverage our ability to affect that outcome,” said Johnny Mautz (R-District 37B).

In his announcement regarding the special session Governor Hogan said, “As we close a significant chapter in our history, we will continue the critical work Mike Busch dedicated so much of his life to doing.”