Russett Played Key Role in Rise of History-Making, Maryland House of Delegates Speaker, Joseline Pena-Melnyk
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
One of the most vivid memories for new Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk is helping her mother and other immigrants translate critical conversations — everything from school enrollment to healthcare. That early experience, she says, standing in the gap for families navigating an unfamiliar system, became a guiding light for her life in public service.
Peña-Melnyk became the first, Afro-Latino to hold a constitutional office in Maryland. Now, as the new Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Peña-Melnyk is positioned to be an influential voice for the more than six million residents of Maryland. Her journey is widely viewed as a testament to resilience, grit, and determination.
“My family was poor in the Dominican Republic,” Peña-Melnyk recalled. “We lived in a wooden house with a tin roof. We were so poor that we collected rainwater that fell through holes in the roof. There were many days when there was no food.”
Longtime Russett-area advocate Devin Tucker had a front-row seat to Peña-Melnyk’s rise to office.
“We started together trying to save the world,” Tucker joked. “But seriously, what I saw from the very beginning was her work ethic, resilience, and determination on the campaign trail. The electoral process wasn’t always kind to her. She was fighting against a machine and a class of insiders that, in some cases, worked overtime to close doors for both of us. Back in 2006, there were even Democrats making insinuations about her citizenship. It was unbelievable — but she powered through it. I’m incredibly proud of her.”
Tucker added that he has learned a great deal by watching Peña-Melnyk. He said he has been especially impressed by her ability to set aside major slights and become one of Maryland’s most prolific legislators.
“I’m still learning from her and still value our conversations, even though we haven’t always agreed on a few things. She’s been an amazing friend and confidante,” Tucker said.
Republican Delegate Tom Hutchinson also offered high praise for Peña-Melnyk’s ability to rise above divisions and political acrimony. Hutchinson said what makes Peña-Melnyk unique in Maryland politics is her compassion and her ability to hold respectful conversations with people who may disagree with her.
“She is a leader who is always willing to listen and understand, regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on,” Hutchinson said. “She has always respected my values. I love her immensely.”
Peña-Melnyk first won office with overwhelming support from the Russett community, narrowly defeating Brian Moe.
“It was a close race, and Joseline won by about 900 votes,” Tucker said. “She earned it. No one outworked her. I think she spent at least five days a week campaigning and we were proud to support her.” He added that the now-Speaker has remained a consistent advocate for Russett ever since. Peña-Melnyk has pledged to lead with fairness and openness for all of Maryland's communities.
“Maryland is a place of opportunity. This moment belongs not just to me, but to every child catching rain in a pot, every family struggling to make ends meet, every immigrant daring to believe that tomorrow can be better than today. As Speaker, my commitment is to operate the House with openness and fairness.”
Hutchinson noted that Peña-Melnyk is also known for how she ends conversations and hearings — with one consistent phrase.
“She often says, ‘Have a blessed day,’” Hutchinson said. “She wants everyone to have a blessed day. And today, we are having a blessed day.”
