Quick Facts
Biography
Charles William "Chuck" Thomsen (born January 20, 1957) is an American Republican politician from the US state of Oregon. He currently serves in the Oregon Senate, representing District 26, which includes all of Hood River County and parts of eastern Multnomah County and northeastern Clackamas County.
Early life and career
Thomsen was born in Hood River, Oregon and graduated from Hood River Valley High School and then attended Willamette University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics. Thomsen returned to Hood River where he worked as an orchardist, raising pears and apples.
Political career
Thomsen was appointed to the Hood River Planning Commission in 1990, and then elected to the Hood River County Board of Commissioners in 1994. He was re-elected to the commission four times and served until 2010. In 2010, Thomsen ran for the Oregon State Senate seat held by Rick Metsger, who vacated the seat to run for Oregon State Treasurer. In the 2010 general election, Thomsen defeated Democrat Brent Barton 53%–47%. His support and advocacy in animal-related measures saw him labeled as a 2011 "Top Dog" by the Oregon Humane Society.
Personal
Thomsen owns Thomsen Orchards in Hood River, where he lives with his wife, Kristi. The couple has two grown daughters.