Ethiopian American Politicians

Alexander Assefa

Alexander Assefa was born in Dodola, Ethiopia. He earned a B.A. in political science from Averett University in Danville, Virginia. Assefa is a licensed pilot and also worked as a political advisor for the Ethiopian Community Center of Las Vegas. In 2018, Assefa was elected to the Nevada Assembly, where he has been representing the 42nd district since November 7, 2018. He resigned from the legislature on January 11, 2021, amidst investigation over campaign finances.

Mazi Melesa Pilip


Mazi Melesa Pilip is an Ethiopian American and a New York state legislator representing district 10. When she was 12 years old, she and her family migrated to Israel. In Israel, she served in the Israel Defense Forces. She met her husband, who was American, while in Israel. They fell in love and moved to New York, where they are raising 7 children. In 2021, she ran and won a seat that opened up to become a Nassau County legislator. Read More

Comments