 In 1996, Jenson ran as a Democrat for the seat in the Oregon House of Representatives vacated by Chuck Norris, who did not seek re-election, defeating Republican Don Armstrong.In 1998, Jenson changed his party affiliation to Independent after becoming dischanted with what he considered extreme environmental positions of the Democratic Party.He was re-elected to the House as an Independent in 1998, and then a year later, became a Republican.