Affie Ellis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Affie Ellis
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Member of the Wyoming Senate from the 8th district |
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In office January 10, 2017 – January 6, 2025 |
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Preceded by | Floyd Esquibel |
Succeeded by | Jared Olsen |
Personal details | |
Born | 1979/1980 Jackson Hole, Wyoming, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Dennis Ellis |
Children | 3 |
Alma mater | University of Wyoming (BS) University of Colorado Law School (JD) |
Affie Ellis is an American politician. She was born around 1979 or 1980. She serves in the Wyoming Senate for the 8th district. She is a member of the Republican Party.
Affie Ellis is also a member of the Navajo Nation. She is the first Native American person to serve in the Wyoming Senate.
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About Affie Ellis
Early Life and Education
Affie Burnside was born to Jim and Lenoa Burnside. Both of her parents were born on the Navajo Reservation. She later married Dennis Ellis. Together, they have three children.
Affie Ellis went to Jackson Hole High School. After high school, she attended the University of Wyoming. From 1996 to 2000, she studied political science and American Indian studies. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Later, from 2004 to 2007, she went to the University of Colorado Law School. There, she earned her law degree, called a Juris Doctor.
Her Career in Politics
Affie Ellis started her career helping politicians. From 2000 to 2004, she worked for Senator Craig L. Thomas. She helped him with issues related to Native American communities, public lands, and housing.
In 2004, she was chosen for an important role. She became the Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the National Indian Gaming Commission. This group helps oversee gaming activities on Native American lands. Later, in 2010, she was appointed to the Tribal Law and Order Commission. This appointment was made by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Serving in the Wyoming Senate
In 2016, Affie Ellis decided to run for office. She ran for a seat in the Wyoming Senate. She won the election for the 8th district. She defeated the person who held the seat before, Floyd Esquibel.
Her election was a historic moment for Wyoming. She became the first Native American person to serve in the Wyoming Senate. She is also the first member of the Navajo Nation to hold this position.
During her time in the Wyoming Senate, she has worked on important committees. She served on the Revenue committee, which deals with state money and taxes.