Alec G. Olson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alec Olson
40th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
In office December 29, 1976 – January 3, 1979
Governor	Rudy Perpich
Preceded by	Rudy Perpich
Succeeded by	Lou Wangberg
President of the Minnesota Senate
In office January 1973 – December 29, 1976
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
In office January 3, 1963 – January 3, 1967
Preceded by	Fred Marshall
Succeeded by	John M. Zwach
Member of the Minnesota Senate
In office May 14, 1969 – December 29, 1976
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 (1930-09-11) September 11, 1930 (age 95) Mamre Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
Spouse	Janice Ruth Albrecht ​ (m. 1957)​
Children	4
Profession	Insurance representative, farmer
From statehood until 1973, the lieutenant governor served as state senate president. Starting in 1973, senate presidents were selected from the body.

Alec Gehard Olson (born September 11, 1930) is a retired American politician from Minnesota. He served in important roles for his state and country. Olson was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1963 to 1967. Later, he served in the Minnesota Senate from 1969 to 1976. He also held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 1976 to 1979.

Early Life and Career

Growing Up in Minnesota

Alec Olson was born in Mamre Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. He attended public schools in his area. In 1948, he graduated from Willmar High School. After finishing school, he worked as a farmer for several years, from 1948 to 1955.

Working as an Insurance Representative

From 1955 to 1962, Olson worked as an insurance representative. This job helped him connect with many people. During this time, he also became very involved in politics.

Political Journey

Starting in Politics

Alec Olson was active in the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He worked with the party from 1952 to 1962. For four of those years, he served as a district chairman. This role helped him gain experience in political organization.

Representing Minnesota in Congress

Olson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in Congress from January 3, 1963, to January 3, 1967. During this time, he represented Minnesota's interests in Washington, D.C. He ran for re-election in 1966 but was not successful.

Serving in the Minnesota Senate

After his time in Congress, Olson continued his public service in Minnesota. He became a member of the Minnesota Senate in 1969. He served as a state senator until 1976. From 1973 to 1976, he was chosen to be the Senate president. This meant he led the discussions and work of the state Senate.

Becoming Lieutenant Governor

In 1976, a change happened in Minnesota's government. The governor, Wendell R. Anderson, resigned to become a U.S. senator. The Lieutenant Governor, Rudy Perpich, then became the new governor. Because of this, Alec Olson stepped into the role of Lieutenant Governor. He served from December 29, 1976, to January 3, 1979. In 1978, he ran alongside Rudy Perpich in the election for governor and lieutenant governor.