 Kjell Ingolf Ropstad was born in Arendal in 1985 to teacher Gunda Wiberg and Bjørn Alfred Ropstad, who is the current mayor of Evje og Hornnes.He has a bachelor's degree in law and economics.He was a member of Evje og Hornes municipality council from 2003–2007, and the county council in Aust-Agder from 2003–2007.