Joseph Kopser announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives in District 47. Running as a Democrat, Kopser stated his commitment to challenging partisan gridlock and focusing on results-driven leadership to address issues such as rising costs, underfunded schools, and economic opportunities for Southwest Austin families.
"I'm running for the Texas House because our community deserves a representative who rolls up their sleeves and gets to work—not engage in performative politics or culture wars," said Kopser. He emphasized that progress happens when leaders listen first and bring people together to solve problems, drawing on his 20-year Army career and experience building Austin's innovation economy.
Kopser's background includes a West Point degree in Aerospace Engineering, a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School, and military service where he earned the Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Bronze Star. He has taught Leadership and Strategy at UT Austin and West Point and serves as a special advisor for military and veteran affairs at the University of Texas. As co-founder of RideScout, which was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2014, and President of Grayline Group, Kopser has been involved in job creation and mentoring entrepreneurs in Texas's tech and energy sectors. He was recognized as a White House Champion of Change and named a Future Texas Business Legend by the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2025.
In his 2018 congressional campaign, Kopser built a bipartisan coalition that won the Democratic primary with a focus on jobs, education, and future generations. His campaign raised over $3.1 million in under 18 months, pioneering innovative fundraising and voter communication techniques. He received more votes than any Democrat in Texas congressional history up to that point and drove record turnout, falling short by fewer than three points in a heavily gerrymandered race.
Kopser's platform prioritizes a strong economy for all, education for every child, and securing our kids' future. He pledges to fight for fully funded classrooms, competitive teacher pay, and education-to-career pipelines. He also aims to support small businesses and high-wage careers in tech, energy, cybersecurity, and trades, while addressing infrastructure, public safety, and affordability issues.
In his campaign launch, Kopser outlined four rules to change the political game: stand up for healthcare against Medicaid cuts and the end of Obamacare subsidies; take on rising costs by speaking out against tariffs and helping young families access capital for homeownership; broaden the coalition beyond traditional bases; and stay focused on kitchen table issues while defending the dignity every Texan deserves, avoiding distractions from daily outrage cycles.
"MAGA Republicans control all branches of government in DC and in Texas. In Texas," Kopser stated. "It's time for Democrats to fight back smarter, build stronger, and get things done for Texas families. We can't keep running the same old playbook."
Kopser's personal story, including his journey with his wife Amy and their three daughters from Fort Hood in 1999 to Austin today, underscores his motivation. "Like every family, I want Texans to feel proud raising their children here. That's what drives me," he added. The campaign invites volunteers, donors, and voters to join in restoring leadership focused on service, humility, and results. More information is available at https://www.KopserForTexas.com.
