State Representative Esther Agbaje

06/01/2026

Happy Pride, Minnesota! I will always champion an inclusive and welcoming state for all.

This month and every month- know that you are sacred and you belong EVERWHERE. In all the forms of q***r, you matter, YOU belong. No politician or legislation will EVER determine our value or worth. Our dignity is intrinsic; it is not granted, and it cannot be taken away.

We will always fight to protect our trans and two-spirit siblings and build a world where trans kids can become trans elders.

Forever here, forever q***r. Stay safe. We love you all! ❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🖤🤍🤎

05/28/2026

It’s been a busy end of session at the Capitol! Read my latest legislative newsletter to catch up on what we've accomplished for our community.

Read more here:

As you may have heard by now, the Minnesota Legislature agreed to give a lifeline to the Hennepin County Medical Center effectively saving it from closure. I worked hard every day with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the HCMC bill was in the best possible shape to stabilize the hospi...

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

“The stabilization funding does not resolve the long‑term impacts of HR1 or the structural deficits that uniquely challenge safety‑net hospital systems,” Joshua Yetman, Hennepin County spokesperson, said in an email statement to MinnPost. “But it does accomplish two essential things: it delivers historic support that prevents closure, and it gives us the time and stability to work with the state on durable, long‑term solutions.”

I couldn't agree more. There is still a lot of work ahead of us to ensure HCMC and its workers are never put in this position again. The looming federal cuts will certainly have an impact on our healthcare systems, and we will need all hands on deck to ensure we have the stakeholders needed to work in partnership to safeguard HCMC’s future.

https://www.minnpost.com/community-health/2026/05/hcmc-bailout-offers-life-raft-for-a-critical-physician-training-program/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSC5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEee8IhJ-KhDYdYsZlZ4B84d3HnXQBAHxOGUm5vFYCtE4NNkBkBqKLwrPQBtZI_aem_1vpK0Gv4yOAlvLFjNNHC1Q

HCMC trains dozens of family physicians each year amid a statewide shortage. Almost all of them continue to practice in-state.

05/26/2026

All session, DFLers were laser-focused on our top priorities addressing fraud prevention, affordability initiatives, gun violence prevention, and holding ICE and federal immigration agents accountable for their lawless tactics that stole the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

While our good-faith efforts were met with Republican opposition, we made sure to amplify the voices of our communities and demand accountability for the harm and terror caused to our neighbors. While we achieved the most important legislative win of saving HCMC, we'll need to roll up our sleeves and continue our pursuit of justice.

05/22/2026

Good Morning Northside! We can't wait to show you around the new NEON Collective Kitchens facility this afternoon. Join us from Noon-3pm for tours, refreshments and more. See you shortly!

05/22/2026

A special thank you to U.S. veteran and transplant recipient Harold Golden and his wife for joining us yesterday to share his personal experience with HCMC and their impeccable doctors, nurses, specialists, care teams, and workers.

Harold's story exemplifies the exceptional work and compassionate care HCMC provides to families across our community and neighboring states. His story is truly remarkable, and I am deeply honored by the work we accomplished together to ensure HCMC’s doors remain open for years to come—continuing its vital mission to save lives and provide top-tier quality care too all patients.

Mr. Golden, we are deeply grateful for your service to our country and wish you nothing but the best on your healing journey.

05/21/2026

A great day indeed! It was a joy to stand alongside House DFL Leader State Representative Zack Stephenson, Floor Leader State Representative Jamie Long, State Representative Katie Jones, HCMC Leadership, and dedicated healthcare workers and nurses in celebrating our partnership in saving our level one safety net hospital HCMC. No matter who you are or what you look like, HCMC will care for you. And I'm proud we ensured it will do just that for generations to come.

A special thank you to Dr. Meghan Walsh, Chief Academic Officer at Hennepin Healthcare; community advocate Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, Minnesota Nurses Association 2nd Vice President; and Jessica Tangen, Lactation Consultant and AFSCME member, for coming to the Capitol to testify and make your voices heard on this important issue.

Your testimony centered our solution on providing stability not only for the hospital, but also for workers and their families. You are the heartbeat of the hospital, and I am proud to continue our partnership to ensure HCMC's success through establishing long-term funding and stability.

Storytelling in public policy is vital. Listening to those closest to the issue is ultimately what allowed us to save our premier safety-net hospital and training school for future healthcare professionals.

05/21/2026

Yesterday, I was beyond thrilled to help cut the ribbon at the state’s largest (and newest) shared kitchen alongside Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and Commissioner Irene Fernando.

The Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) kitchen at 2301 West Broadway is OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!

This first-of-its-kind facility provides the infrastructure and resources small food businesses need to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably—while strengthening the local food economy and expanding opportunity for our community.

This am so proud of the Northside and will continue to fight to bring investment into our communities.