Joseph Kopser, an Army veteran and technology leader, has announced his intention to run for Texas House District 47 in the 2026 election. The announcement came during an interview with Vote Like a Texan, where Kopser outlined his motivations and priorities for representing the district covering areas including Circle C and parts of Southwest and West Austin.
Kopser's path to public service began with a 20-year Army career before transitioning to business leadership and education. He credits his sixth-grade teacher, civil rights icon Audrey Grievous, with shaping his understanding of civic responsibility. "Every opportunity I saw people in my community who put servant leadership first left an impression," Kopser shared during the interview. "I fell in love with duty and country, and even after leaving the Army, I felt called back to public service."
The candidate emphasized a consistent three-part vision throughout his career: creating jobs, improving education, and building a stronger future for Texas children. "At the end of the day, what elected officials need to do is meet voters where they are—around jobs, education, and our kids' future," he told Vote Like a Texan. "It's about understanding people's daily challenges while working collaboratively on long-term solutions."
A significant portion of Kopser's platform focuses on Texas' growing role in the national space economy. As co-founder of SWIFT (Space Workforce Incubator for Texas), Kopser explained why developing a skilled workforce is critical as the state expands its aerospace footprint. "If you don't have the workforce to turn the wrenches, connect the pipes, and build the rockets, the industry is dead on the pad," Kopser said. He highlighted Texas' unique position in global space competitiveness, citing the state's capacity for both East and West Coast-aligned launch pathways and bipartisan support behind the Texas Space Commission.
For business and technology leaders, Kopser's candidacy represents potential alignment between political leadership and industry needs, particularly in emerging sectors like aerospace. His background as a technology leader and focus on workforce development suggests a practical approach to economic growth that could benefit Texas' innovation ecosystem. The emphasis on space industry workforce development comes as Texas positions itself as a national leader in commercial space activities, with implications for job creation, educational partnerships, and economic diversification.
Throughout the interview, Kopser reinforced the importance of voter participation at every level. "I don't care who they vote for, just vote," he said. "I don't want a small percentage of Texans deciding who our elected officials are, because the decisions they make impact our daily lives." The full interview with Joseph Kopser is now available through Vote Like a Texan's digital platforms.
Kopser's candidacy brings together military experience, technology leadership, and a focus on practical solutions to economic and educational challenges. His emphasis on space workforce development aligns with Texas' strategic position in the growing commercial space industry, while his consistent focus on jobs and education addresses fundamental concerns for district residents. The campaign announcement signals potential policy directions that could influence business development, educational investment, and workforce preparation in one of Texas' key technology regions.
