Chris and his wife have lived in Bozeman, Montana for over 30 years. They have 2 adult children. He received his bachelor's degree in Spanish literature from the University of Oregon and a master's degree from the Yale University School of Management.

Chris has pursued a career in commercial real estate, holding a license at the Bozeman-based NAI Landmark commercial real estate firm and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He previously co-founded The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company on Bozeman’s historic Main Street. After selling the family business in 2005, he continued his career in commercial real estate.

Chris Pope currently a state senator serving Senate District 31. He was elected in 2020 and is serving his first term. Previously, he was the state representative for House District 65 after being elected in 2014, and lost re-election in 2016. He then won election once again in 2018 for the same position.

Candidate website

Supports state government's role in bolstering Montana's economy by preparing the workforce, aiding market expansion, fostering entrepreneurship, and guiding businesses towards sustainable practices, technological advancements, and industry partnerships.

Said, "The prudent use of public finance to preserve and maintain our essential public assets is key to a healthy and functioning economy... Re-investing in our state universities is a win-win, and should be a high priority in our state budget process."

The candidate's website says, "For example, Chris advocates for high-quality, well-paying jobs and expanding markets for value-added Montana goods and services. He is a champion for clean energy, affordable healthcare, excellence in public schools and expanded opportunity for Montanans with disabilities."

Advocates for "high-quality, well-paying jobs and expanding markets for value-added Montana goods and services."

Believes Montana's community health hinges on a dynamic economy with ample well-paying jobs, fostering opportunity for all. With 20 years in local small business, they aim to bolster job creation and economic growth in the Montana Senate.

Supports prudent fiscal management of Montana's $7 billion budget for vital services, advocating for transparent and efficient use of taxpayer funds, with a leadership role in overseeing health and human services spending.

Supports limited government, advocating for its role in creating conditions for individual success and providing services when too costly or risky for private entities.

- Supports state government's role in bolstering Montana's economy by preparing the workforce, aiding market expansion, fostering entrepreneurship, and guiding businesses towards sustainable practices, technological advancements, and industry partnerships.
- Said, "The prudent use of public finance to preserve and maintain our essential public assets is key to a healthy and functioning economy... Re-investing in our state universities is a win-win, and should be a high priority in our state budget process."
- Advocates for "high-quality, well-paying jobs and expanding markets for value-added Montana goods and services."
- Believes Montana's community health hinges on a dynamic economy with ample well-paying jobs, fostering opportunity for all. With 20 years in local small business, they aim to bolster job creation and economic growth in the Montana Senate.
- Supports prudent fiscal management of Montana's $7 billion budget for vital services, advocating for transparent and efficient use of taxpayer funds, with a leadership role in overseeing health and human services spending.
- Supports limited government, advocating for its role in creating conditions for individual success and providing services when too costly or risky for private entities.

Economy

As of June 8, 2025, Christopher Pope’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Supports affordable healthcare for all in Montana as crucial for quality of life and workforce productivity, advocating for enhanced mental health services, reduced senior healthcare costs, promotion of active living, and decisive action against widespread substance abuse, especially among youth.

- Supports affordable healthcare for all in Montana as crucial for quality of life and workforce productivity, advocating for enhanced mental health services, reduced senior healthcare costs, promotion of active living, and decisive action against widespread substance abuse, especially among youth.

Healthcare

Supports enhancing public education in Montana for relevance and achievement, advocating for funding, merit-based management, and innovation in K-12 and higher education, while promoting student volunteerism through a Montana-styled 21st Century Conservation Corps.

- Supports enhancing public education in Montana for relevance and achievement, advocating for funding, merit-based management, and innovation in K-12 and higher education, while promoting student volunteerism through a Montana-styled 21st Century Conservation Corps.

Education

Voting & Elections

Believes the Civilian Conservation Corps' post-war efforts from 1933-1942, which included planting trees, building infrastructure, and creating parks, significantly benefited America's environment and local communities while providing valuable skills and fitness to participants.

The candidate's website says, "Chris believes that the continued stewardship of Montana’s world-class environment and wildlife is essential to the state’s future economic success – as are critical continued state government investments in public education and affordable healthcare."

Supports preserving Montana's natural beauty, ensuring clean air and water, and promoting renewable energy, while advocating for public land access and pragmatic climate change solutions to maintain the state's high quality of life and economy.

- Believes the Civilian Conservation Corps' post-war efforts from 1933-1942, which included planting trees, building infrastructure, and creating parks, significantly benefited America's environment and local communities while providing valuable skills and fitness to participants.
- The candidate's website says, "Chris believes that the continued stewardship of Montana’s world-class environment and wildlife is essential to the state’s future economic success – as are critical continued state government investments in public education and affordable healthcare."
- Supports preserving Montana's natural beauty, ensuring clean air and water, and promoting renewable energy, while advocating for public land access and pragmatic climate change solutions to maintain the state's high quality of life and economy.

Energy & the Environment

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Christopher Pope

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Ganser attended Madison Area Technical College for architecture technology and Montana State University-Bozeman for architecture. 

Neal currently works at Ganser Building Consultancy. He was the founder, president, and CEO of Corbond Corporation from 1986 to 2009. 

Neal Ganser

Neal Ganser ran in District 61 for the Montana House of Representatives in 2016 but did not win. 



As of June 8, 2025, Neal Ganser did not have a website or any information online.

- Your State Senator participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 50 members of the Montana Senate. The Montana Senate is the upper house of the Montana State Legislature (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Senator drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Senator can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Senator is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- State Senators are elected to a 4-year term. Individuals can serve no more than 8 years in a 16-year period.