May 9, 2025

New details emerge on Rep. Olson’s resignation

New details emerge on Rep. Olson’s resignation

Patrice Bumstead
Farmer Editor

In an interview on BEK TV’s Open Range show, on May 8, former state representative, Brandon Prichard and Rep. Lori VanWinkle, (R) District 3, Minot, discussed the recent resignation of District 26 Representative Jeremy Olson.

VanWinkle shared her account of events that took place between March 2025, and the May 5 resignation.

During the interview, Prichard stated that in Olson’s caucus leader resignation letter submitted he stated  his reason for stepping down was due to new employment. “But you and I Lori, knew something a little bit different from behind the scenes, we knew that this was not him being too busy, it was a matter of sexual harassment and assault,” Prichard stated.

VanWinkle confirmed that she had spoken to House Leadership in early March regarding an incident that allegedly took place at a Governor’s Reception, where she witnessed Olson speaking with a young subordinate and as the conversation ended he kissed her on the cheek.

“I just saw her face...and thought she’s either mortified he just did that, or mortified that I watched it happen,” expressed VanWinkle.

Prichard pointed out that “to some people at home ‘oh it’s just a kiss on the cheek it might not be the worst thing ever,’ but legally speaking - it is sexual assault. It is a member that is in a position of power sexually assaulting a Page or an employee of the legislature.”

VanWinkle went on to say that she reported the incident to District 37 Representative, Mike Lefor around March 14. She stated that Lefor had included Legislative Council Director, John Bjornson into the conversation, but after about a week and a half following her report, leadership had not taken any action.

VanWinkle stated she followed up with an e-mail to Bjornson in order to find out if leadership had spoken to the alleged victim, “to make sure she doesn’t fear retribution for me bringing this out in the open.”

According to VanWinkle, when she asked Bjornson what the results were from speaking to the alleged victim, she felt given the scenario, she didn’t want to call it harassment, or do anything about it.

The full episode can be watch at: https://www.bektv.plus/videos/openrange/2025-05-08

The Farmer has reached out to Lori VanWinkle, Dan Johnston, Mike Lefor, John Bjornson and Jeremy Olson for additional comment and we will continue to update the story as more details become known.

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