He represented the old districts 11, 19 and 26, which included all or portions of Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock counties, changing somewhat through redistricting in 1960 and 1970.
He allied with the Conservative Caucus at a time when the legislature was still officially nonpartisan, although he identified as and was known to be a Republican.
[1] While in the legislature, Olson was an advocate for agriculture and issues relevant to education and natural resources.
He served on the Senate Education, Finance, General Legislation, Labor & Commerce, Liquor Control, Natural Resources & Agriculture, and Rules & Administration committees, and on various other committee incarnations and subcommittees during his 18 years in office.
He enjoyed traveling to many places, including the Holy Land and a cruise to Alaska with his beloved wife, Martha.