Tim Knopp is a native Oregonian who has lived in Central Oregon for 45 years. His background includes ​nearly 20 years as a small business owner, community service as a former little league coach, board member of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, and board member of affordable housing non-profit, First Story. Tim is the Executive Vice President of the Central Oregon Builders Association and the Executive Director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing.

Tim previously served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2005 for three terms, including one as Oregon House Majority Leader. He led the PERS Reforms of 2003 that saved taxpayers billions. Tim helped pass legislation protecting the kicker by putting it in the Constitution, where it has returned over $12 billion dollars belonging to the taxpayers. He's been a champion for small business and job creation. Tim was elected to his first term in the Oregon State Senate in November 2012, elected Deputy Republican Leader in 2014, and elected Senate Minority Leader in 2021. Senate District 27 encompasses the Central Oregon communities of Bend, Redmond, Tumalo, Sisters, Black Butte, Eagle Crest, and parts of rural Deschutes County.​​