Thomas Ray "T.J." Shope Jr. is a Republican politician and small business owner representing Arizona's 16th Legislative District, which covers central and eastern Pinal County and southern Gila County. He serves as Senate President Pro Tempore and is married to Melissa, with whom he co-owns the family’s Shope’s IGA Supermarket in Coolidge; he also works as Community Sales Development Officer for National Bank of Arizona. Notable achievements include serving as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Arizona House and being among the first Republicans to call for repealing Arizona's 1864 abortion ban in 2024, voting with Democrats to pass the repeal.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University.
• Early Political Roles: Elected to the Coolidge Unified School District Governing Board.
• Arizona House of Representatives : Elected in 2012 at age 27; reelected in 2014, 2016, and 2018; served as Speaker Pro Tempore , Chairman of House Ethics Committee, Vice Chairman of House Rules Committee; committees included Agriculture & Water, Energy/Environment/Natural Resources, Commerce, Education, and Natural Resources/Energy/Water.
• Arizona State Senate : Elected in 2020; Senate President Pro Tempore; Vice Chairman of Natural Resources/Energy/Water, Transportation & Technology, and Education committees; member of Health & Human Services, Public Safety, Elections, and Legislative Council.