Joseph Kopser Announces Candidacy for Texas House District 47

Joseph Kopser announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives in District 47, running as a Democrat with a focus on breaking through partisan gridlock and delivering results-driven leadership. The candidate emphasized addressing pressing issues facing Southwest Austin families, including rising costs, underfunded schools, and economic opportunities. Kopser stated, "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." He added that after 20 years in the Army and building Austin's innovation economy, he believes progress happens when leaders listen first and bring people together to solve problems.

Kopser's background includes graduating from West Point with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and earning a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army, receiving 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—acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2014—and President of Grayline Group, Kopser has created jobs and strengthened 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 run, Kopser built a bipartisan coalition that won the Democratic primary with a message of working across the aisle on jobs, education, and children's futures. 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 kids' futures. He pledges to fight for fully funded classrooms, competitive teacher pay, and education-to-career pipelines while supporting small businesses and high-wage careers in tech, energy, cybersecurity, and trades.

In his campaign launch, Kopser outlined four rules to change the political game: stand up for healthcare, take on rising costs, broaden the coalition, and be wary of distractions. He stated, "MAGA Republicans control all branches of government in DC and in Texas. It's time for Democrats to fight back smarter, build stronger, and get things done for Texas families." He emphasized focusing on kitchen table issues while defending the dignity every Texan deserves. Kopser's personal story, including photos of his family at Fort Hood in 1999 and in Austin last year with his wife Amy and their three daughters, underscores his motivation. He added, "Like every family, I want Texans to feel proud raising their children here. That's what drives me." 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.