Joseph Kopser, an Army veteran and technology leader, has announced his intention to run for Texas House District 47 in 2026, emphasizing a consistent vision centered on jobs, education, and children's futures. The announcement came during an interview released by Vote Like a Texan, a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing voter education and participation across Texas.
Kopser, a familiar voice to audiences of The Building Texas Show, explained his motivation to return to public service after a 20-year military career and subsequent work as a business leader and educator. He credited his foundation of service to early influences, including his sixth-grade teacher Audrey Grievous, a civil rights icon who helped shape 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 available through Vote Like a Texan's digital platforms.
The candidate's three-part vision remains unchanged from his previous work in both private and public sectors: 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," Kopser told Vote Like a Texan. He emphasized understanding daily challenges while working collaboratively on long-term solutions for District 47, which covers areas including Circle C and parts of Southwest and West Austin.
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), he stressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support the state's expanding 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.
This announcement matters because it represents a candidate with extensive experience in both military service and technology leadership entering a state legislative race at a critical time for Texas' economic development. The emphasis on space workforce development addresses a growing sector where Texas has strategic advantages but faces workforce challenges. As commercial space activities expand from facilities like SpaceX's Starbase in South Texas, ensuring adequate skilled workers becomes essential for maintaining the state's competitive edge.
Kopser's candidacy also highlights the ongoing importance of voter participation in state elections that directly impact daily life. "I don't care who they vote for, just vote," he said during the interview. "I don't want a small percentage of Texans deciding who our elected officials are, because the decisions they make impact our daily lives." This message aligns with Vote Like a Texan's mission to increase voter turnout across Texas through educational content and community engagement.
The implications of this campaign announcement extend beyond District 47 to broader state policy discussions about economic diversification, education investment, and strategic industry development. As Texas continues to attract aerospace companies and related industries, legislative support for workforce development programs becomes increasingly important for sustainable growth. Kopser's background as both a veteran and technology entrepreneur positions him to address these issues with practical experience in both public service and private sector innovation.
