Meet Sandor
Who I am:
I grew up in an Air Force family, yet have lived most of my life in Great Falls. I graduated from CMR High School in 2005 and Montana State University - Bozeman in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, and a focus on International Relations. I currently live with my wife on the lower south side of Great Falls, and enjoy spending time in my community and on our public lands.
What I do:
I am a project manager for a land surveying company that does business across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. I have been a Certified Floodplain Manager since 2018, a Trustee for the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center since 2020, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since June of 2023. I have worked on both the public and private side of land-use planning, and understand the challenges and limitations faced by landowners and renters seeking affordable housing.
Why I am running:
Foremost, I believe that Montanans in Great Falls and across the state are feeling the strain of an inadequate housing supply and soaring costs of living, impacting every aspect of daily life. I was privileged to be a part of a working group that drafted Senate Bill 382, known as the Montana Land Use Planning Act, which was approved with broad bi-partisan support and signed by Governor Gianforte on May 17, 2023. I want to ensure that this Act becomes a reality and improves the lives of everyone who chooses to live in our great State.
I also would like to work towards limiting government involvement in private medical decisions between healthcare professionals and their patients, advocating for the conservation of our public lands, striving towards energy sustainability and independence, and investing in our future through a robust educational system, and quality of life through adequate mental and physical health care. My goal as a Representative is to improve Montanans’ quality of life, not just in Great Falls, but across our beautiful State.
P R I O R I T Y
On the Issues
After watching the 68th Regular Session of the Montana Legislature, I think many of us don’t believe that the best interests of our families, friends and community have been addressed by those who have been elected to represent us in the State Legislature. Instead of being represented by yet another local legislator who does not live in our neighborhood or District, I have registered to run for Montana House of Representatives District 23.
I believe one of the greatest issues currently facing Montanans is a lack of affordable housing, spurred by unprecedented growth in recent years. The consequences of this growth are a strained job market, damage to public health and welfare, and adverse financial impacts to people’s ability to afford basic needs, such as food and medicine. During this past legislative session, I was privileged to participate in a working group that drafted the legislation that became Senate Bill 382, known as the Montana Land Use Planning Act. This Bill is a complete overhaul of the 50-year-old Montana Subdivision and Platting Act. Our working group’s proposal enjoyed broad bi-partisan support and will help balance modern housing and development needs with the preservation of our recreational and agricultural open spaces. While SB 382 is a great start towards addressing our housing crisis, it will need more work before it is fully implemented and its benefits can be felt.
I also would like to work towards limiting government involvement in private medical decisions between healthcare professionals and their patients, advocating for the conservation of our public lands, striving towards energy sustainability and independence, and investing in our future through a robust educational system. My goal as a Representative is to improve Montanans’ quality of life, not just in Great Falls, but across our beautiful State.
I want to run a campaign that reflects who I am and my beliefs. I welcome constructive feedback and new perspectives on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to me through Facebook, or write me at shopkinsHD23@gmail.com.
One way you can help is to encourage your family and friends to register to vote. If you would like to help my campaign in some other way, please contact me. If you want to contribute monetarily, please make a check payable to “Sandor Hopkins for HD23” and mail to PO Box 632, Great Falls, MT 59403, please also include your employer and occupation for campaign finance reporting purposes. Campaign contribution limits can be found on the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Page, but are generally limited to $450 per person, per candidate.
Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy. I hope to earn your support in the 2024 election cycle, and look forward to speaking with my neighbors in House District 23 and learning what issues are important to you.
