[1] A third-generation elected official, Shope's father was a former mayor of Coolidge, and his grandfather was a member of the city council.

[4] Shope was a member of a local school board before seeking election to the Arizona House of Representatives as a Republican.

[4][5] Shope's district is heavily rural and Republican-dominated;[2] it encompasses parts of Gila and Pinal counties,[6] specifically Coolidge, Globe, Superior, Florence, San Tan Valley, and portions of Casa Grande and Eloy.

Medicaid expansion was supported by Governor Jan Brewer, but opposed by most Republican officials and right-wing activists.

[17][18][19] In 2020, Shope was elected to the Arizona State Senate seat from the 8th Legislative District, defeating Democratic nominee Barbara McGuire.