Joseph Kopser Announces Candidacy for Texas House District 47, Emphasizing Jobs, Education, and Space Workforce Development

Vote Like a Texan released a new interview featuring Joseph Kopser, Army veteran, technology leader, and long-time advocate for Texas’s future, as he announces his intention to run for Texas House District 47. The conversation offers voters a rare, in-depth look at Kopser’s motivations, priorities, and vision for the district he calls home. Kopser, a familiar voice to audiences of The Building Texas Show, joined host Justin McKenzie to explain why he is stepping forward again to serve. “Instead of building Texas, maybe I might be building a campaign,” Kopser joked as he confirmed that House District 47—covering areas including Circle C and parts of Southwest and West Austin—is his focus for 2026.

The interview explores Kopser’s path from a 20-year Army career to becoming a business leader, educator, and public servant. He credits a lifelong foundation of service shaped early by his sixth-grade teacher, Audrey Grievous—a civil rights icon who helped influence his understanding of civic responsibility. “Every opportunity I saw people in my community who put servant leadership first left an impression,” Kopser shared. “I fell in love with duty and country, and even after leaving the Army, I felt called back to public service.”

In the interview, Kopser emphasizes a consistent three-part vision he has carried throughout his career: creating jobs, improving education, and helping build a stronger future for Texas children. These priorities, he says, remain unchanged whether he is working in the private sector, supporting veterans, or running for office. “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 standout portion of the conversation focuses on Texas’s growing role in the national space economy. Kopser, co-founder of SWIFT (Space Workforce Incubator for Texas), explains why developing a skilled workforce matters as the state continues to support commercial launches and 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. “Texas has the engineers and rocket scientists—now we need to build the workforce to keep pace.” He also underscored Texas’s unique position in global space competitiveness, citing the state’s capacity for both East and West Coast–aligned launch pathways and the bipartisan support behind the Texas Space Commission.

Throughout the interview, Kopser reinforces the importance of voter participation at every level—local, state, and federal. “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 at https://www.votelikeatexan.org. Voters in District 47—and across Texas—are encouraged to watch, share, and stay engaged as campaigns for 2026 continue to take shape.