Alec G. Olson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alec Olson
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| 40th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota | |
| In office December 29, 1976 – January 3, 1979 |
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| Governor | Rudy Perpich |
| Preceded by | Rudy Perpich |
| Succeeded by | Lou Wangberg |
| 1st President of the Minnesota Senate | |
| In office January 1973 – December 29, 1976 |
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| Preceded by | Rudy Perpich (as lieutenant governor)* |
| Succeeded by | Edward J. Gearty |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 6th district |
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| In office January 3, 1963 – January 3, 1967 |
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| Preceded by | Fred Marshall |
| Succeeded by | John M. Zwach |
| Member of the Minnesota Senate | |
| In office May 14, 1969 – December 29, 1976 |
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| Preceded by | Robert G. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Alvin O. H. Setzepfandt Jr. |
| Constituency | 23rd district (1969-1973) 21st district (1973-1976) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alec Gehard Olson
September 11, 1930 Mamre Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota |
| Political party | Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party |
| Spouse |
Janice Ruth Albrecht
(m. 1957) |
| Children | 4 |
| Profession | Insurance representative, farmer |
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Alec Gehard Olson, born on September 11, 1930, is an American politician who has served in important roles for the state of Minnesota. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives, a Minnesota State Senator, and even the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. He dedicated many years to public service, helping to make decisions for his state and country.
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Alec Olson's Journey in Politics
Alec Olson was born in a place called Mamre Township, Minnesota. He went to public schools and finished high school in Willmar in 1948. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a farmer from 1948 to 1955. After that, he was an insurance representative until 1962.
He became very involved with the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party starting in 1952. He even led a district group for four years. Alec Olson was chosen to be a delegate at the Democratic National Convention multiple times, in 1960, 1964, and 1968. These conventions are where political parties choose their candidates for president.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Alec Olson served in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C. from January 3, 1963, to January 3, 1967. During this time, he was part of the 88th and 89th Congresses. The U.S. House of Representatives is where laws are made for the entire country. He tried to be re-elected in 1966 but was not successful.
Work in the Minnesota State Senate
After his time in Washington, Olson served in the Minnesota Senate from 1969 to 1976. The Minnesota Senate is part of the state government that makes laws for Minnesota. From 1973 to 1976, he was the President of the Senate. This is a very important leadership role within the state legislature.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In 1976, something interesting happened in Minnesota politics. The governor at the time, Wendell R. Anderson, resigned to become a U.S. Senator. Because of this, the Lieutenant Governor, Rudy Perpich, became the new governor. This meant there was an open spot for Lieutenant Governor.
Alec Olson then became the new Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. He served in this role from December 29, 1976, to January 3, 1979. He was also Governor Perpich's running mate when they ran for re-election in 1978.
