Thomas "t.j." Shope

Thomas "t.j." Shope is a candidate for State Senator District 16 Primary Election in 2026 in Arizona State Senate District 16, Arizona.

Incumbent Arizona State Senator in AZ

Also running: Elaine Aldrete.

Thomas "T.J." Shope, born August 12, 1985, is an Arizona Republican politician and businessman. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University (2008). Shope began his political career on the Coolidge Unified School District Governing Board. He served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021, where he was Speaker Pro Tempore. In 2020, he was elected to the Arizona State Senate, taking office in January 2021, currently representing the 16th Legislative District. He previously represented the 8th Legislative District. Shope is known for sponsoring a 2019 measure to amend the Arizona State Constitution regarding legislative immunity. He is a candidate for the Arizona State Senate - District 16 in the 2026 Primary Election.