He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Møre og Romsdal in 1989, serving until 1993; he was out of parliament from 1993 to 1997, but was re-elected in 1997, 2001, and 2005.[2][3] He was President of the Lagting, 2001–2005.[2]
He held various positions in Ørskog municipality council from 1977 to 1989, and was a member of Ålesund city council from 1999 to 2007. From 1979 to 1990 he was also a member of Møre og Romsdal county council.[2]