Introduction
Alan Randal Olsen (born March 24, 1948) is an American Republican politician who serves in the Oregon State Senate, representing Oregon's 20th Senate district in southeastern Clackamas County, including the cities of Barlow, Canby, Gladstone, Johnson City, Oregon City, and portions of Milwaukie. He defeated incumbent Democrat Martha Schrader in the 2010 election.
Early life and career
Olsen was born and grew up in McHenry, Illinois. He graduated from McHenry High School and attended Purdue University where in 1975 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. From 1969 to 1971 Olsen served in the U.S. Army. He moved to Oregon in 1978 and has been the owner and operator of Custom Construction Services since 1987 specializing in the design and construction custom homes and commercial projects. Locally, Olsen is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and is a past President of the Oregon Bass Federation Nation.
Political career
Olsen was the candidate for Senate District 20. According to Willamette Week Senate District 20 was a battleground race between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats held a majority in both the state House (36–24) and Senate (18–12).
The Republican Party of Oregon for the 2010 election cycle hosted the first online primary. On July 30 the primary results were released announcing Olsen as the nominated candidate for senate district 20 from the Republican Party of Oregon.
Olsen narrowly defeated incumbent Martha Schrader by 227 votes.
Personal
Olsen and his wife Juanita live in Canby.