 Olson was originally elected to serve House District 19A in 1992, defeating Rep. Bob McEachem 51% to 46%.He won re-election against Bonnie Walters in 1994 60% to 30%, in 1996 against Cliff "Kip" Wold 60% to 40% and against Greg Hansen in 1998 and 2000, 61% to 39% and 63% to 37% respectively.Upon 2002 redistricting, Olson was pitted against incumbent Rep. Leslie Schumacher (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) to represent 16B and won 56% to 41%.In 2004 he defeated Jim Huhala 59% to 37%.