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

Joseph Kopser, an Army veteran, technology leader, and long-time advocate for Texas' future, has announced his intention to run for Texas House District 47 in 2026. The announcement came during an interview released by Vote Like a Texan, a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing voter education and participation. The district covers areas including Circle C and parts of Southwest and West Austin.

Kopser, a familiar voice to audiences of The Building Texas Show, explained his motivation for returning to public service after a career that included 20 years in the Army, business leadership, and education. 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. "I fell in love with duty and country, and even after leaving the Army, I felt called back to public service."

The candidate emphasized a consistent three-part vision throughout his career: creating jobs, improving education, and helping build a stronger future for Texas children. These priorities 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 significant portion of the conversation focused on Texas' growing role in the national space economy. Kopser, co-founder of SWIFT (Space Workforce Incubator for Texas), explained 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. He underscored Texas' 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 reinforced 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. The organization works to empower Texans to make informed decisions at the ballot box through interviews, digital content, and community engagement.

The announcement comes as campaigns for the 2026 elections begin to take shape across Texas. Kopser's emphasis on workforce development, particularly in the growing space sector, highlights how state-level decisions can impact economic competitiveness and job creation. His focus on education and children's futures addresses fundamental concerns for Texas families, while his call for increased voter participation speaks to broader democratic engagement issues. The intersection of technology leadership, veteran experience, and public service represented in Kopser's background reflects evolving expectations for political candidates in increasingly complex economic and technological landscapes.