Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has announced a new leadership lineup for the 2027 legislative session, highlighting expanded roles and increased representation of Black lawmakers in senior positions. The changes come amid expectations of a challenging budget year marked by a projected multibillion-dollar deficit.

Senator Brian Feldman, a Democrat from Montgomery County, will assume the role of majority leader and chief of policy. In addition to these responsibilities, Feldman will chair the Senate Rules and Operations Committee, a newly combined role aimed at strengthening strategic leadership within the Senate. Feldman, previously chair of the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, was recently appointed to lead efforts focusing on economic development, including attracting businesses and job creation.

Feldman’s former committee seat will be filled by Senator Dawn Gile, a Democrat representing Anne Arundel County. Senator Ben Brooks, a Baltimore County Democrat, will serve as vice chair of that committee.

The updated leadership team includes several key appointments from the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. Senator Mary Washington of Baltimore City has been named majority whip, tasked with rallying support among majority-party senators for legislative priorities. Senator Antonio Hayes, also from Baltimore City, will make history as the first Black man to chair the Senate Finance Committee. This influential committee oversees a range of policies related to economic development, consumer protection, and banking. Senator Katie Fry Hester of Howard and Montgomery counties will act as vice chair.

Other notable promotions within the Black Caucus are Senator Cory McCray of Baltimore City, who will serve as vice chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, and Senator Alonzo Washington of Prince George’s County, who will chair the Senate Executive Nominations Committee. The latter is responsible for reviewing gubernatorial appointments that require Senate approval.

Ferguson’s office emphasized that the reorganization of leadership roles is intended to better position the Senate to address upcoming fiscal and policy challenges. As Maryland faces a significant budget shortfall, the new team will play a critical role in shaping debates over spending, taxation, and other economic priorities during the session.