Alan Olsen

Alan Olsen is a former American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, who served as a member of the Oregon State Senate from 2011 to 2021. He represented Oregon's 20th Senate district, which encompasses parts of southeastern Clackamas County, including the cities of Barlow, Canby, Gladstone, Johnson City, Oregon City, and portions of Milwaukie. Olsen's political career began when he won a closely contested election against the incumbent Democrat Martha Schrader in 2010, marking the start of his legislative service.

Early life and career

Alan Randal Olsen was born on March 24, 1948, in McHenry, Illinois. He completed his secondary education at McHenry High School before pursuing higher education at Purdue University. At Purdue, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1975. Following his graduation, Olsen served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, an experience that contributed to his later involvement in veteran affairs.

In 1978, Olsen relocated to Oregon, where he established himself as a business owner. He founded Custom Construction Services in 1987, a company that specializes in the design and construction of custom homes and commercial projects. His work in the construction industry has made him a notable figure in the local business community. In addition to his professional endeavors, Olsen has been active in community organizations, including membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has also held the position of President of the Oregon Bass Federation Nation, reflecting his engagement with local recreational and veteran groups.

Legislative service

Olsen's entry into politics came with his candidacy for the Oregon State Senate, specifically for District 20. The 2010 election was characterized as a battleground race, with both major political parties vying for control. At the time, Democrats held a majority in both the Oregon House and Senate. The Republican Party of Oregon utilized innovative strategies during this election cycle, including hosting the first online primary. On July 30, 2010, Olsen was announced as the Republican nominee for Senate District 20.

In the general election, Olsen faced incumbent Democrat Martha Schrader in a tightly contested race. His victory was marked by a narrow margin, as he won by just 227 votes, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape of the district. Following his election, Olsen served two distinct terms in the Oregon State Senate, during which he participated in various legislative activities and initiatives.

Throughout his tenure, Olsen was involved in several notable legislative actions. In 2014, he proposed a referendum aimed at ending same-day voter registration in Oregon. However, this proposal was ultimately rejected by voters, indicating the complexities and challenges of electoral reform in the state.

Olsen's legislative career was also marked by significant political events, including a notable boycott by Republican senators in 2019. On June 20 of that year, Olsen and his fellow Republican senators chose to leave the Oregon State Capitol in an effort to prevent a vote on a cap-and-trade proposal aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This action was part of a broader strategy to influence legislative outcomes, as the absence of the Republican senators meant that the Democratic majority could not achieve the necessary quorum to proceed with the vote.

In the latter part of his legislative career, Olsen was involved in national political discussions, particularly concerning the 2020 presidential election. On December 11, 2020, he, along with 11 other Republican state officials, signed a letter urging the Oregon Attorney General to join a lawsuit contesting the election results in Texas v. Pennsylvania. This action reflected the ongoing national debates surrounding election integrity and the political climate of the time.

Olsen's time in the Oregon State Senate concluded when he resigned from his position effective January 10, 2021. His departure marked the end of a decade-long legislative career in which he navigated various political challenges and contributed to the discourse on key issues facing Oregon.

Policy focus and district

During his time in the Oregon State Senate, Olsen's policy focus encompassed a range of issues pertinent to his constituents in District 20. His legislative priorities included matters related to local governance, economic development, and public policy initiatives that aligned with Republican values. As a representative of a district that includes a mix of urban and rural communities, Olsen's approach to policy was likely influenced by the diverse needs and interests of his constituents.

Olsen's involvement in the construction industry provided him with insights into economic issues, particularly those related to housing and development. His experience as a business owner may have informed his perspectives on regulatory matters and economic growth strategies, which are often critical in legislative discussions.

The political landscape of Oregon's 20th Senate district has historically been competitive, with both Republican and Democratic candidates vying for influence. Olsen's electoral success in 2010 and subsequent terms reflected the shifting dynamics within the district, as well as the broader trends in Oregon politics during that period. His tenure was characterized by active engagement in legislative debates and a commitment to representing the interests of his constituents.

In summary, Alan Olsen's career as a state legislator was marked by his efforts to address the needs of his district while navigating the complexities of Oregon's political environment. His background in business and service in the military contributed to his legislative perspective, and his actions in the Senate reflected the priorities of the Republican Party during his time in office.