The Maryland Senate elected Malcolm Augustine of the 47th District as president pro tempore and William C. Ferguson IV as president during its opening session on Jan. 8, 2025 in Annapolis.

The nominations came from colleagues on the floor. Senator Corey V. McCray nominated Malcolm Augustine for president pro tempore; Senator Clarence K. Lam seconded the nomination. After the roll call, the clerk announced Augustine was elected president pro tempore. Augustine was sworn in on the chamber floor and thanked colleagues, citing goals on jobs, transportation and health outcomes.

Senator Cheryl C. Kagan nominated William C. (Bill) Ferguson IV for Senate president, and Senator Antonio Hayes seconded the nomination. The clerk announced there were 44 affirmative votes and William C. Ferguson IV was elected permanent presiding officer. Ferguson took the oath, thanked his family and colleagues, and framed the upcoming session as a challenging year that will require bipartisan problem-solving and fiscal prioritization.

The nominations and elections were conducted under the Senate’s opening-day procedures. Both officers took the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Maryland before assuming their duties.

Votes at a glance

- Election of President Pro Tempore: Malcolm Augustine (47th District). Nominated by Senator Corey V. McCray; seconded by Senator Clarence K. Lam. Outcome: elected (roll call announced by clerk). Oath administered on the floor.

- Election of Senate President: William C. Ferguson IV. Nominated by Senator Cheryl C. Kagan; seconded by Senator Antonio Hayes. Outcome: elected (44 affirmative votes). Oath administered on the floor.

Context: The elections took place at the constitutionally prescribed opening of the General Assembly. Newly elected leaders spoke to the session’s fiscal and policy challenges, including a stated $3 billion budget gap and the need for bipartisan problem-solving.