SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A Republican senator from Clackamas County will resign two years before his term expires.
In an email to colleagues, Sen. Alan Olsen of Canby said he will step down Jan. 10, citing a need to put family first, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
Olsen represents Senate District 20, which covers much of Clackamas County, including Boring, Canby, Damascus, Estacada, Eagle Creek, Gladstone, parts of Happy Valley and Oregon City. He has represented the area since 2011.
Olsen did not respond to several messages from the newspaper requesting comment.
In his resignation email, Olsen appeared concerned for the state’s future but did not provide specifics.
“The state and country are in very dire times, and I am sorry I will not be there to help,” he said. “Be careful in your decisions, as the path you set upon could be very destructive to Oregonians.”
Olsen’s email didn't describe his future plans, but property records show he and his wife bought land in Indiana in 2018.
Drazan, also from Canby, said she learned a lot from Olsen, and that she would miss working with him.
Clackamas County commissioners will appoint someone to fill Olsen’s role until the 2022 election, when voters will elect someone to a full four-year term.