Stephanie Olsen

Stephanie Olsen
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 47B district
In office
January 7, 2003 – January 4, 2005
Preceded byJohn Jordan
Succeeded byMelissa Hortman
Personal details
Born (1967-11-27) November 27, 1967
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Political partyRepublican
SpouseTroy Olsen
Children2 (adopted)
EducationSt. Cloud State University (B.S.)
ProfessionEducator, politician

Stephanie Olsen (born November 27, 1967) is an American educator and former Republican politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for one term. She represented District 47B from 2003 until 2005, when she was defeated by future Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman.

Early life and career

Olsen was born on November 27, 1967 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.[1] She attended St. Cloud State University and received a Bachelors of Science in social studies and secondary education.[1]

Political career

Olsen first ran for office in 1995 in a special election to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she was unsuccessful in gaining the Republican nomination.[1] After the campaign she was hired by the Republican Caucus as an education researcher.[1]

Olsen next ran for office in 2002 when, as a result of redistricting, district 47B was left without an incumbent.

Olsen was defeated for re-election in 2004 when she was defeated by Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party candidate Melissa Hortman, also of Brooklyn Park.[2]

Personal life

Olsen is married to Troy Olsen, they have two adopted daughters from China, adopted in 2004 and 2006.[1]

Electoral history

Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2002 General[3] Nov. 5 Stephanie Olsen Rep. 8,850 51.67% Melissa Hortman DFL 7,467 43.60% 17,127 1,383
Adam M. Roesch Ind. 797 4.65%
2004 General[4] Nov. 2 Melissa Hortman DFL 10,846 50.90% Stephanie Olsen (inc) Rep. 10,444 49.01% 21,309 402

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Olsen, Stephanie". Minnesota State Legislature. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  2. ^ Khoo, Michael (November 3, 2004). "Democrats win big, but GOP clings to power in Minnesota House". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  3. ^ "Results for STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 47B". Minnesota Secretary of State. May 23, 2003. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  4. ^ "Results for STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 47B". Minnesota Secretary of State. December 22, 2004. Retrieved June 14, 2025.