Esther Agbaje
{{short description|American state politician (born 1985)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Esther Agbaje
| image = Esther Agbaje VOA interview (cropped).png
| caption = Agbaje in 2021
| state_house = Minnesota
| district = 59B
| constituency = 59B (2021-present)
| term_start = January 5, 2021
| term_end =
| predecessor = Raymond Dehn
| successor =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|03|19}}
| birth_place = Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = Democratic (DFL)
| residence = Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
| education = George Washington University (BA)
University of Pennsylvania (MPA)
Harvard University (JD)
| occupation = {{hlist|Attorney|Legislator}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/15551|Government website}} {{URL|https://www.estheragbaje.com|Campaign website}}
}}
Esther Agbaje (born March 19, 1985) is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2021. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Agbaje represents District 59B, which includes portions of north and downtown Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota.{{Cite web |title=Rep. Esther Agbaje (59B) - Minnesota House of Representatives |url=https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15551 |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=www.house.mn.gov}}
Early life, education, and career
Agbaje was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to parents who immigrated to Minnesota from Nigeria. She grew up in Brainerd and Faribault, and graduated from Shattuck-St. Mary's Boarding School.
Agbaje graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor of arts in political science, the University of Pennsylvania with a master of public administration, and Harvard University with a juris doctor. As a law student, she worked at Harvard's Legal Aid Bureau and volunteered for Volunteer Lawyers Network Housing Court Project.{{Cite web |last=Dernbach |first=Becky Z. |date=2020-08-12 |title=Esther Agbaje leads Raymond Dehn in Minnesota House race |url=http://sahanjournal.com/democracy-politics/esther-agbaje-raymond-dehn-minnesota-legislature/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Sahan Journal |language=en-US}}
Before law school, Agbaje worked at the United States Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer focusing on the Middle East. She is an associate attorney with Ciresi Conlin LLP, where she practices in general civil litigation and medical malpractice. She also did pro bono work helping renters dealing with housing insecurity and evictions.{{Cite web |last=Montemayor |first=Stephen |date=May 9, 2020 |title=Veteran DFL lawmakers question virtual conventions after coming up short |url=https://www.startribune.com/dfl-veteran-lawmakers-question-endorsement-process-after-coming-up-short/570318682/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Star Tribune}}{{Cite web|url=https://clinics.law.harvard.edu/blog/2020/11/governor-fayemi-celebrates-nigerian-lady-esther-agbaje-who-won-an-election-in-the-us/|title=Governor Fayemi Celebrates Nigerian Lady "Esther Agbaje" Who Won An Election In The US|date=November 10, 2020|website=HLS Clinical and Pro Bono Programs}}
Minnesota House of Representatives
Agbaje was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She challenged four-term DFL incumbent Raymond Dehn, winning the DFL endorsement and defeating Dehn in the primary election.{{Cite web |last=Van Oot |first=Torey |date=August 12, 2020 |title=Minnesota Legislature set for a shakeup as progressive activists defeat DFL stalwarts |url=https://www.startribune.com/two-prominent-mpls-dfl-legislators-trailing-progressive-challengers/572077342/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}}{{Cite web |last1=Van Oot |first1=Torey |last2=Condon |first2=Patrick |date=August 12, 2020 |title=Progressives shake up DFL incumbents in Minnesota |url=https://www.startribune.com/progressives-shake-up-dfl-incumbents-in-minnesota/572093832/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}}
Agbaje serves as vice chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, and sits on the Elections Finance and Policy, Taxes, and Ways and Means Committees. She has served as an assistant majority leader since 2023.{{Cite web |title=Agbaje, Esther - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present |url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=15551 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=www.lrl.mn.gov}} Agbaje co-chairs the House People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and is vice chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.{{Cite web |last=Multiple authors |title=OPINION EXCHANGE {{!}} Find room in the budget deal for communities of color |url=https://www.startribune.com/find-room-in-the-budget-deal-for-communities-of-color/600174841/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune|date=19 May 2022 }}{{Cite web |last1=Dernbach |first1=Becky Z. |last2=Asher |first2=Abe |date=November 19, 2022 |title=Minnesota voters sweep in the state's most diverse Legislature |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-voters-sweep-in-the-states-most-diverse-legislature/600227842/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}}
= Political positions =
== Housing and tenants' rights ==
Agbaje has called for greater investment in housing, calling housing a human right, and authored a bill that would provide $45 million in funding to Minneapolis to repair affordable housing units.{{Cite web |last1=Agbaje |first1=Esther |last2=Wonsley |first2=Robin |last3=Pree-Stinson |first3=Samantha |date=2022-12-13 |title=Why we're fighting to fully fund public housing in Minnesota |url=https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2022/12/why-were-fighting-to-fully-fund-public-housing-in-minnesota/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Jon |date=2023-03-03 |title=Minneapolis asks for funds for public housing backlog |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/03/03/minneapolis-asks-for-45-million-to-address-public-housing-backlog |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=MPR News |language=en}}
As vice chair of the Housing Committee, Agbaje authored many tenant protection provisions contained in the final housing budget, saying expungement of eviction filings was her top concern due to its impact on people's ability to find housing.{{Cite web |last=Callaghan |first=Peter |date=2023-06-15 |title=Unpacking the sweeping tenant rights changes made by the Minnesota Legislature |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/06/unpacking-the-sweeping-tenant-rights-changes-made-by-the-minnesota-legislature/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}} She sponsored legislation that gave more rights and protections to those who use self-storage units, especially those who have recently been evicted.{{Cite web |last=Callaghan |first=Peter |date=2021-08-05 |title=How reforming Minnesota's law governing self-storage units became an equity issue |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2021/08/how-reforming-minnesotas-law-governing-self-storage-units-became-an-equity-issue/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}
== The CROWN Act ==
Agbaje authored the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act.{{Cite web |last=Snow |first=Jasmine |date=August 1, 2022 |title=Black Twin Cities women find hope in law prohibiting discrimination based on hair |url=https://www.startribune.com/black-twin-cities-women-pin-hopes-on-crown-act/600194672/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}} The legislation adds a definition of race that includes natural hairstyles and protects Minnesotans from discrimination based on hairstyle. Agbaje testified about her experience straightening her hair for fear of losing a job or not being perceived as professional.{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Emma |date=February 28, 2022 |title=Minnesota House passes bill banning hair discrimination |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-house-poised-to-pass-bill-banning-hair-discrimination/600151486/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}} The legislation passed the House in February 2022 but was not acted on by the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate.{{Cite web |last=Yuen |first=Laura |date=March 8, 2022 |title=A bill to ban hair discrimination has wide bipartisan support, but will it pass? |url=https://www.startribune.com/yuen-a-bill-to-ban-hair-discrimination-has-wide-bipartisan-support-but-will-it-pass/600154004/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}} In 2023 the bill passed both houses of the legislature and was signed by Governor Tim Walz.{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Dana |date=February 1, 2023 |title='A more equitable Minnesota': Walz signs CROWN Act into law |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/02/01/a-more-equitable-minnesota-walz-signs-crown-act-into-law |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=MPR News |language=en}}
== Public safety and criminal justice reform ==
Agbaje signed on to a letter by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar asking the Department of Justice to expand its investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department following the murder of George Floyd.{{Cite web |last=Montemayor |first=Stephen |date=June 8, 2021 |title=Rep. Ilhan Omar leads call for DOJ to expand Minnesota federal policing probe |url=https://www.startribune.com/rep-ilhan-omar-leads-call-for-doj-to-expand-minnesota-federal-policing-probe/600065820/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}} Agbaje lives in the building where Minneapolis police shot and killed Amir Locke and has been a longtime supporter of police reform, including banning no-knock warrants.{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Jennifer |date=February 2, 2022 |title=For lawmaker, a shooting by police hits home |url=https://www.startribune.com/jennifer-brooks-a-police-shooting-hits-home-for-minnesota-lawmaker-esther-agbaje/600142427/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}}{{Cite web |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=February 7, 2022 |title=This week at the Capitol: Focus on jobless fund |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/02/07/this-week-at-the-capitol-focus-on-jobless-fund |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=MPR News |language=en}}
In 2023 she authored legislation to eliminate fees that state inmates pay for phone calls, saying it will help inmates stay connected with their families and reenter society after incarceration.{{Cite web |last=Faircloth |first=Ryan |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Minnesota inmates could make phone calls at little or no cost under public safety budget bills |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-inmates-could-make-phone-calls-at-little-or-no-cost-under-public-safety-budget-bills/600263431/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Star Tribune}}{{Cite web |last1=Agbaje |first1=Esther |last2=Oumou Verbeten |first2=Clare |date=2023-05-09 |title=Free prison phone calls can make Minnesota safer and families stronger |url=https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2023/05/free-prison-phone-calls-can-make-minnesota-safer-and-families-stronger/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}} She also wrote a law lowering the threshold for pardons and commutations from unanimous support of the state Board of Pardons to a two-thirds majority.{{Cite web |last=Krauss |first=Louis |date=April 4, 2023 |title=Felony pardon process up for consideration in state Legislature |url=https://www.startribune.com/felony-pardon-process-up-for-consideration-in-state-legislature-tim-walz-keith-ellison-amreya-shefa/600263958/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Star Tribune}}
During the 2021 Minneapolis mayoral election, Agbaje did not endorse incumbent Jacob Frey, and signed on to a letter that advocated for a "new mayor" who would do more to end racial disparities and increase public safety.{{Cite web |last=Navratil |first=Liz |date=October 18, 2021 |title=Divided left field of Minneapolis mayoral hopefuls have unified message: Don't rank Frey |url=https://www.startribune.com/divided-left-field-of-minneapolis-mayoral-hopefuls-have-unified-message-don-t-rank-frey/600107813/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}} She supported voting "yes" on City Question 2, which would have renamed the Minneapolis Police Department the Minneapolis Department of Public Safety, removed minimum staffing levels for sworn officers, and shifted oversight of the new agency from the mayor's office to the city council.{{Cite web |last=Multiple authors |title=OPINION EXCHANGE {{!}} Minneapolis legislators: Vote yes on City Question 2 to expand public safety |url=https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-legislators-vote-yes-on-city-question-2-to-expand-public-safety/600109934/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune|date=25 October 2021 }}{{Cite web |last1=Navratil |first1=Liz |last2=Mahamud |first2=Faiza |date=October 1, 2021 |title=What you need to know about the Minneapolis charter amendments |url=https://www.startribune.com/need-to-know-about-the-minneapolis-charter-amendments-police-mayor-rent-public-safety-city-council/600097438/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}}
== Other political positions ==
Agbaje is pro-choice, and in 2023 authored a bill that offered legal protections to patients who travel to Minnesota for an abortion and the providers who treat them.{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Dana |date=2023-03-20 |title=Minnesota House passes bill that shields abortion providers, out-of-state patients |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/03/20/minnesota-house-passes-bill-that-shields-abortion-providers-outofstate-patients |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=MPR News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nesterak |first=Max |date=2023-03-20 |title=Minnesota House passes abortion shield bill to protect women from out-of-state bans |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/03/20/minnesota-house-passes-abortion-shield-bill-to-protect-women-from-out-of-state-bans/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US}} She sponsored a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to access MinnesotaCare, the state's health insurance for low-income families.{{Cite web |last=Dernbach |first=Becky |date=2023-06-01 |title=From ethnic studies to healthcare, Minnesota lawmakers of color played pivotal roles in advancing policy |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/06/01/sahan-lawmakers-of-color-played-pivotal-roles-in-advancing-policy |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=MPR News |language=en}}
In 2023, Agbaje advocated against fully eliminating the state tax on Social Security income, saying it should be targeted to low- and middle-income seniors.{{Cite web |last1=Pinto |first1=Dave |last2=Agbaje |first2=Esther |last3=Elkins |first3=Steve |last4=Howard |first4=Michael |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Why tax-free Social Security doesn't make sense |url=https://www.startribune.com/why-tax-free-social-security-doesnt-make-sense/600260487/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Star Tribune}} She joined environmental advocates in pushing for the closing of a metal shredder in North Minneapolis after a stockpile caught fire.{{Cite web |last=Du |first=Susan |date=May 24, 2021 |title=Growing calls to shut down Minneapolis junkyard after fire last month |url=https://www.startribune.com/growing-calls-to-shut-down-minneapolis-junkyard-after-fire-last-month/600060837/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Star Tribune}}
Electoral history
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2020 DFL Primary for Minnesota State House - District 59B{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=135&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=472&show=Go|title=2020 Results for State Representative District 59B Primary|access-date=February 22, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Esther Agbaje
| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
| votes = 4,443
| percentage = 48.24
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Raymond Dehn (incumbent)
| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
| votes = 3,839
| percentage = 41.65
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Isaiah Whitmore
| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
| votes = 932
| percentage = 10.24
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 9,211
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2020 Minnesota State House - District 59B{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=136&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=472&show=Go|title=2020 Results for State Representative District 59B|access-date=February 22, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Esther Agbaje
| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
| votes = 17,649
| percentage = 74.35
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Alan Shilepsky
| party = Republican Party of Minnesota
| votes = 4,249
| percentage = 17.90
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Lisa Neal-Delgado
| party = Green Party of Minnesota
| votes = 1,804
| percentage = 7.60
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 37
| percentage = 0.16
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 23,739
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no change
| winner = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2022 Minnesota State House - District 59B{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=472&show=Go|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 59B|access-date=February 22, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Esther Agbaje (incumbent)
| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
| votes = 13,225
| percentage = 98.51
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 200
| percentage = 1.49
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 13,425
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no change
| winner = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
|title = 2024 Minnesota State House - District 59B{{cite web |title=2024 Results for All State Representative Races |url=https://electionresults.sos.mn.gov/Results/Index?ersElectionId=170&scenario=StateRepresentative |website=Minnesota Secretary of State |access-date=18 November 2024}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
| candidate = Esther Agbaje (incumbent)
| votes = 16,791
| percentage = 82.34
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| candidate =Kenneth Smoron
| votes = 3,549
| percentage = 17.4
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 52
| percentage = 0.26
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 20,392
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no change
| winner = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
}}
{{Election box end}}
Personal life
Agbaje lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{MN-legdb|15551}}
- [https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/15551 Official House of Representatives website]
- [http://www.estheragbaje.com/ Official campaign website]
- {{ballotpedia|Esther_Agbaje|Esther Agbaje}}
- {{CongLinks | congbio = | fec = | congress = | votesmart =194194 }}
{{Minnesota House of Representatives}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Agbaje, Esther}}
Category:Columbian College of Arts and Sciences alumni
Category:American politicians of Nigerian descent
Category:Fels Institute of Government alumni
Category:Harvard Law School alumni
Category:Democratic Party members of the Minnesota House of Representatives
Category:21st-century American women politicians
Category:21st-century American women lawyers
Category:21st-century American lawyers
Category:Women state legislators in Minnesota