Liz Olson
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Liz Olson is an American politician who formerly served in the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Olson represented District 8A in northeastern Minnesota, which includes parts of the city of Duluth in St. Louis County.[1][2]
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Liz Olson | |
|---|---|
| |
| Speaker pro tempore of the Minnesota House of Representatives | |
| In office January 8, 2019 – January 2, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Laurie Halverson |
| Succeeded by | Dan Wolgamott |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives | |
| In office January 3, 2017 – July 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Erik Simonson |
| Succeeded by | Peter Johnson |
| Constituency | 7B (2017–2023) 8A (2023–2024) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1980 or 1981 (age 44–45) |
| Party | Democratic (DFL) |
| Spouse | Tom |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | University of Minnesota, Duluth (BA) Luther Seminary (MA) |
| Occupation |
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| Website | Government website Campaign website |
Early life, education, and career
Olson attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and women's studies, and Luther Seminary, graduating with a Master of Arts in congregational and community care.[3]
Olson is a community organizer who has worked for Churches United in Ministry, Generations Health Care Initiatives, and TakeAction Minnesota.[4] She is a former president of the League of Women Voters, Duluth, is a member of the advisory committee of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits northeast chapter, and is a board member of Firefly Yoga International.[5]
Minnesota House of Representatives
Olson was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016 and was reelected every two years through 2022.[1] She first ran after two-term DFL incumbent Erik Simonson announced he would seek election to the Minnesota Senate.[6] In 2020, her opponent contested the election results, but a court dismissed the case.[1]
Olson served as speaker pro tempore of the House from 2019 to 2022. From 2019 to 2020 she served as the majority whip for the House DFL Caucus, and from 2021 to 2022 as deputy majority leader.[1] Olson chaired the Ways and Means Committee during her final term.[3]
Having already announced her decision not to seek reelection, Olson resigned her seat in mid-2024, taking a position with the McKnight Foundation.[7]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Liz Olson | 13,824 | 70.87 | |
| Republican | Cody Barringer | 5,641 | 28.92 | |
| Write-in | 40 | 0.21 | ||
| Total votes | 19,505 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL) hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Liz Olson (incumbent) | 12,739 | 71.84 | |
| Republican | Caroline Burley | 4,965 | 28.00 | |
| Write-in | 28 | 0.16 | ||
| Total votes | 17,732 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL) hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Liz Olson (incumbent) | 14,769 | 68.15 | |
| Republican | Art Johnston | 6,879 | 31.74 | |
| Write-in | 23 | 0.11 | ||
| Total votes | 21,671 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL) hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Liz Olson (incumbent) | 11,587 | 70.48 | |
| Republican | Art Johnston | 4,830 | 29.38 | |
| Write-in | 22 | 0.13 | ||
| Total votes | 16,439 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL) hold | ||||
Personal life
Olson and her husband, Tom, have one child. They reside in the Denfeld neighborhood in Duluth, Minnesota.[1][4]
