Joseph Kopser, a decorated Army veteran and successful technology entrepreneur, announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives in District 47. Running as a Democrat, Kopser stated his commitment to breaking through partisan gridlock and focusing on results-driven leadership to address pressing issues facing Southwest Austin families, including rising costs, underfunded schools, and economic opportunities.
"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. "After 20 years in the Army and years building Austin's innovation economy, I know progress happens when leaders listen first, lead always, and bring people together to solve problems. Texans are tired of the same old politics; it's time to fight back smarter, build stronger, and get things done for working families."
Kopser's campaign draws on his extensive background in service, innovation, and community building. A West Point graduate with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School, he served 20 years in the U.S. Army, earning the Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Bronze Star. He taught Leadership and Strategy at UT Austin and West Point, and currently 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, mentored entrepreneurs, and strengthened Texas's tech and energy sectors. He was recognized as a White House Champion of Change and, in 2025, named a Future Texas Business Legend by the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
In his 2018 run for Congress, Kopser built a bipartisan coalition that won the Democratic primary with a message of working across the aisle to focus on jobs, education, and our kids' future. In under 18 months, his campaign pioneered innovative fundraising and voter communication techniques, raising over $3.1 million—the highest amount by any candidate, Republican or Democrat, incumbent or challenger, across Texas's 36 congressional districts in Q4 2017. Emphasizing bipartisanship and problem-solving, Kopser received more votes than any Democrat in Texas congressional history up to that point and drove record turnout, with more voters participating in his district than any other in the state—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; support small businesses and high-wage careers in tech, energy, cybersecurity, and trades; and address infrastructure, public safety, and affordability to make Texas a place where every family can thrive. In his launch, he outlined four rules to change the political game: stand up for healthcare, take on rising costs, broaden the coalition, and be wary of distractions to stay focused on kitchen table issues.
This announcement is significant as it introduces a candidate with substantial military, business, and educational credentials into a key Texas legislative race, potentially shifting the dynamics in a state where Democrats have struggled to gain ground. Kopser's emphasis on bipartisanship and practical problem-solving contrasts with the polarized political climate, offering an alternative approach that could resonate with voters frustrated by gridlock. His proven fundraising ability and previous electoral performance suggest he could mount a competitive campaign, which may impact policy discussions around education funding, economic development, and healthcare in Texas.
Kopser's personal story underscores his motivation. A photo of his family at Fort Hood in 1999, contrasted with one from last year in Austin, captures his journey with wife Amy and their three daughters. "Like every family, I want Texans to feel proud raising their children here. That's what drives me," he added. For more information about his campaign, visit https://www.KopserForTexas.com.
