He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, representing the electoral districts of Boulder and Beverley.

[2] Hopkins worked for the Victoria Railway Service as a porter for two years before going into business with his brother.

[2] In March 1901 Hopkins stood in the federal election, contesting the Kalgoorlie seat in the House of Representatives.

[6][7] The following month, Hopkins successfully contested the Boulder seat in the state Legislative Assembly.

[14] As a result of his conviction, Hopkins was removed from office as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Beverley.