Tim Knopp

Tim Knopp is a former American politician and businessman who served in the Oregon Legislative Assembly, representing the Republican Party. He held office in both the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon State Senate, with his legislative career spanning from 1999 to 2025. Knopp is known for his leadership roles within the legislature, including serving as majority leader in the House and minority leader in the Senate. His political career concluded with his last term in the Oregon State Senate in 2025, after which he became involved in advocacy for term limits at the national level.

Early life and career

Tim Knopp was born on September 30, 1965. He attended York Community High School, where he likely began to develop his interests in leadership and public service. Following his education, Knopp transitioned into a career in business, eventually becoming the executive vice president of the Central Oregon Home Builders. His involvement in local politics began to take shape during this period, as he also served as the president of the Deschutes County Republican Central Committee. This combination of business experience and political engagement laid the groundwork for his future electoral campaigns.

Knopp first entered politics in 1998 when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. His tenure in the House lasted until 2005, during which he established himself as a significant figure within the Republican Party in Oregon. His leadership capabilities were recognized when he was appointed majority leader from 2003 to 2005. Throughout his time in the House, Knopp was known for his strong opposition to abortion and his alignment with social conservatives, which influenced his legislative priorities and actions.

Legislative service

Knopp's legislative career began in earnest when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1998. He served three terms, during which he was involved in various legislative initiatives. One of his notable achievements was sponsoring legislation that led to the inclusion of Oregon's "kicker" law in the state constitution. This law allows for the return of excess tax revenue to taxpayers, a measure that received significant public support when it was approved by voters in 2000.

In 2012, Knopp transitioned to the Oregon State Senate after winning a competitive primary against incumbent Senator Chris Telfer. He garnered a substantial majority of the primary vote, which set the stage for his subsequent victory in the general election against the Democratic nominee. His re-election efforts in 2016 and 2020 were also successful, as he defeated his opponents with notable margins. During his time in the Senate, Knopp was appointed deputy caucus leader in 2014, further solidifying his leadership role within the Republican caucus.

In October 2021, Knopp was elected as the minority leader of the Senate, succeeding Fred Girod. His leadership was marked by significant events, including participation in walkouts aimed at blocking legislation he and his colleagues opposed. However, his legislative career was ultimately affected by the passage of Measure 113, which imposed restrictions on legislators with excessive unexcused absences. This measure played a crucial role in his decision to step down from his position in April 2024.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Knopp focused on a range of policy issues, reflecting his political beliefs and the interests of his constituents in Oregon's 27th Senate district. He was a vocal advocate for workplace equality, supporting the Oregon Equal Pay Act, which aimed to address wage disparities. Additionally, he co-sponsored legislation that sought to improve workplace protections against sexual harassment, ensuring that employers could not require nondisclosure agreements that would silence employees regarding discrimination or assault allegations.

Knopp's policy positions also included significant reforms to the state's pension system for public employees, advocating for a shift from a defined benefit model to a defined contribution plan. This initiative aimed to address concerns regarding the sustainability of Oregon's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

In contrast, Knopp's stance on climate change was contentious. He rejected the scientific consensus on the issue and opposed legislation aimed at increasing renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. His participation in the 2019 walkout, along with other Republican senators, was a direct response to proposed cap-and-trade legislation intended to combat climate change. This action was part of a broader strategy to challenge the Democratic majority's legislative agenda.

Knopp was also a prominent figure in the anti-vaccination movement, opposing efforts to eliminate non-medical exemptions for school vaccinations in Oregon. His public statements reflected a strong belief in personal freedom regarding health mandates, which resonated with certain constituents.

In the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Knopp distanced himself from conspiracy theories propagated by some members of the Republican Party, affirming a commitment to factual discourse.

In 2023, Knopp's participation in a walkout led to his disqualification from running for re-election due to reaching the threshold of unexcused absences set by Measure 113. This decision prompted legal challenges regarding the interpretation of the measure, highlighting the ongoing tensions within Oregon's political landscape.

Following his departure from the Senate, Knopp took on a new role as the Oregon co-chair of U.S. Term Limits, an organization advocating for the establishment of term limits for members of Congress. This position reflects his continued engagement in political discourse and public service beyond his legislative career.