Dear Neighbors,
This week, the House of Representatives gaveled into our 2026 legislative session with grief and heavy hearts. For the first time in 20 years, we did so without our forever Speaker, Melissa Hortman. The House and Senate chambers honored her and her beloved husband, Mark, and their family dog, Gilbert with a Remembrance Ceremony followed by a reception with cake and bread- their favorite things to bake. It was an emotional but powerful day celebrating the life and legacy of a dear friend and mentor.
You can watch the recording of the remembrance here. In a touching interview, their son Colin shares how he’s been grappling with the loss of his parents and the legacy they left behind. Please take a moment to read the article here. This session we will remember her leadership and be inspired to do what is right for the people of Minnesota.
Legislative Overview
This week, I’ve hit the ground running—working in committees and meeting with local residents to ensure community matters are heard and represented at the Capitol. As a reminder, I serve as Co-Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and I am also a member of the Agriculture Finance and Policy and Taxes committees.
At the Capitol, my DFL colleagues and I are amplifying stories from our community members and sharing the realities our BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee communities have endured since the start of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS. Our local economies have been destabilized: schools are facing massive disruptions, people cannot get to work, and renters and homeowners are facing dire financial situations on the verge of housing insecurity.
Everyday Minnesotans—from Somali grandmothers to multi-faith coalitions—have come together and led by example to show that we CAN do something. Yet, even with these tireless efforts, grassroots support is not enough to recover from the massive financial impact of Operation Metro Surge.
Several bills were heard in various committees to provide essential financial assistance and resources for small businesses and nonprofits on the front lines of supporting our community, as well as legislation to keep ICE out of our schools, and a $50M one-time emergency rental assistance program for counties and tribes. We even brought a bill to the House floor that would require the BCA to investigate deaths caused by federal agents. At every opportunity for Republicans to stand with Minnesotans, they voted against these bills and chose to side with Trump instead.
In the Housing Committee, I presented my bill seeking to expand the eviction notice period from 14 days to 30 days. Our neighbors have been impacted by racial profiling and the fear of lawless ICE agents, who have kept breadwinners from their daily income and disrupted local home economies. Minnesotans have stepped up to help their neighbors with rental assistance; yet, despite this generosity, the need continues to outpace what we can raise.
State legislators have the power to follow the lead that Minnesotans have shown. Unfortunately, Republicans refuse to recognize this current state of emergency and are willing to play politics with people’s lives. It is shameful. Watch the committee presentation here.
In a tied House, we need bipartisan support to pass any meaningful legislation. I will continue to do the work that is needed to ensure that Minnesotans have the housing resources they need after experiencing the harrowing effects of these past two months and to help on the road to recovery ahead.
Despite the announced end of Operation Metro Surge, our communities continue to fight back against federal incursion. We are hearing from community leaders and neighbors that ICE has moved into our suburbs, using covert tactics to profile and kidnap our neighbors. Everyone must remain resilient, alert, and show up for our neighbors. Keep referring to the local networks and organizations providing rapid response, mutual aid, and other community resources to stay engaged and informed on how you can protect our community.
Local Resources
In our district, community members have come together to support local restaurants and businesses. Below is a list, curated by neighbors, of local restaurants that would love to see you stop in for one of your next meals. If there’s more that you know of, please share to keep the list updated.
- Animales BBQ
- Antojitos
- Broadway Chow Mein
- Bryn Mawr Pizza
- Camden Social Club
- Dervish Mazza
- Heal Mpls
- Hook Fish and Chicken
- House of Sambus
- Hui’s Chow Mein
- JJ’s Fish and Chicken
- Joy Luck
- K’s Grill
- La Mesa
- Lion’s Den Soul Food
- Lowry Cafe
- Milda’s Cafe
- Mini Pac Grill
- Olympic Cafe Plus
- Pair of Dice Pizza
- Pappy’s
- Rollin Nolen’s BBQ
- Sammy’s Avenue Eatery
- Tap In Kitchen and Cocktails
- Tooties on Lowry
- Wendy’s House of Soul
- Yuan Yuan
Let’s Stay Connected!
I deeply value being in this work to improve lives with you. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. Please reach out anytime if you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions at rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn.gov or 651-296-8659.
In community,
Rep. Esther Agbaje
Minnesota House of Representatives (59B)
Legislative Assistant
Aishat Tiamiyu
aishat.tiamiyu@house.mn.gov
651-296-4165