Esther Agbaje Makes History as the First Nigerian-American Legislator in the United States

Esther Agbaje Makes History as the First Nigerian-American Legislator in the United States

Esther Agbaje is highly passionate about public service. She has made us proud Nigerians with her recent win as Minnesota’s first Nigerian-American Legislator in the United States general elections to represent District 59B in the 134-member Minnesota House of Representatives. The seat was formerly held by longtime state Representative, Raymond Dehn.

The 35-year old contested on the platform of the Minnesota Democratic farmers-labour party, an affiliate of the U.S Democratic party, defeating her closest rival, Republican Alan Shilepsky who had 4,126 votes which represent just 17.7% of the total votes cast and Green Party candidate, Lisa Neal-Delgado to represent downtown and north Minneapolis in the state House.

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Esther Agbaje emerged the winner by winning a total of 17,396 votes, which represents 74.7% of the total ballots cast. Elections to the lower chamber of the state legislature are held every two years, without term limits for the lawmakers.

In August 2020, Esther Agbaje was one of four progressive political newcomers who emerged the winner over the established Democratic legislators in the primary elections, two in the state House and two in the Senate.

Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the George Washington University, DC, a law degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Esther is interested in contributing significantly to housing, prison reforms, social support, and her background typically informs her drive to give back to the community. She is the daughter of an Episcopalian minister and a librarian who worked in homeless services, both Nigerian immigrants.

Esther Agbaje has worked as a Pickering Fellow at the US Department of State – Bureau of International Information Programs (IPP) and at the Embassy Muscat. From 2009-2014, she was also Foreign Affairs Officer at the US Department of State, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). 

Until her recent win in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Esther Agbaje is an Associate at Ciresi Conlin LLP, where she focuses on general civil litigation and medical malpractice. She also writes briefs and motions, researches complex issues bothering around the contract, design patent and ERISA law.

Esther Agbaje, who has lent a voice to housing, prison injustice and in unfairness intends to bring a fresh perspective and new innovative ideas to the U.S Government.

Congratulations to Esther Agbaje for another momentous achievement and more to come. We are truly proud of her.