It's Official: I’m Running for Office Again In Texas- Here's Why
Beyond politics as usual in the Texas State House: affordability, opportunity, and a future worth building for our kids
Why I’m Running Again
Most of Texas’s challenges aren’t new. But the way I’ve been trying to solve them is.
Elected Officials need a renewed approach, new ideas, new partners, and new energy, to address affordability, education, infrastructure, and climate resilience. At the same time, many of our state’s opportunities are new: a fast-growing innovation economy, a leadership role in space and advanced manufacturing as just two examples, and the chance to model pragmatic, inclusive governance for the rest of Texas.
Both realities require a willingness to move beyond politics as usual—and a recommitment to strengthening Austin’s families, communities, and leadership role in Texas and beyond. That’s why I’ve decided to run for the Texas State Legislature. And to do that, I need your help.
Why this Election in March 2026 Matters
Texas House District 47 is heavily gerrymandered (a 20 point advantage for Democrats). That means the Democratic primary in March will almost certainly determine who wins in November and represents us in the House. In practical terms, the primary is the election. You can learn more about the campaign here: www.KopserForTexas.com (Be sure to check out the Donate button!)
The Hard Part
Early voting begins February 17, 2026—just 71 days from the day I filed. We need to move quickly and build a serious team to meet this moment.
Texas places no limits on individual donations. If you’re inclined, you truly can dig deep for democracy. We don’t have a lot of time to reach voters and let them know our vision for Texas.
Donate here to help us build the team we need to win in March.
If you live in the district, you can vote with your ballot. If you live in Austin, check here to see if you live in House District 47.
If don’t live in the district, you can vote with your wallet (your donation will help us reach more voters).
Past the Crossroads
It’s become a political cliché to say “we’re at a crossroads.”
I think we’re well past that.
We’re already traveling a road few of us expected and many of us don’t like. The ride is rough, the view isn’t great, and a loud group of fellow passengers seems to be calling all the shots. The last election only reinforced how vulnerable our institutions have become—and how easily cynicism can crowd out trust.
Still, we are where we are.
That makes it incumbent on each of us to take stock of this moment and ask a harder question: What kind of future are we building for our kids? And just as importantly—what are we willing to do to help deliver it?
I believe HD-47 deserves a different kind of Democratic leadership—one that reflects Austin’s independent, collaborative, inclusive, and joyful spirit, rather than the tired assumption that we can’t evolve to meet the moment.
As Willie Nelson once put it, Austin works because it’s where cowboys and hippies get along. When we choose abundance over division, we build something far better than politics as usual.
What Drives Me
If you want to understand what drives me, a photo taken at our home in Austin last year tells the story.
At the center is a family photo from Fort Hood in 1999—back when Amy and I were raising our girls in military housing, long before our youngest, Piper, came along. We didn’t have much, but we had each other. And Texas gave us community, purpose, and the chance to build a life.
Since then, we’ve cheered through three Bowie High School graduations and three college graduations—two SMU Mustangs and a Texas Longhorn. Today, Amy and I get to watch our daughters build families of their own.
Like you, I want every family to feel proud to raise their children in Texas.
That’s what drives me.
That’s why I’m running.
Learn more about the campaign: www.KopserForTexas.com
Podcast Conversation: Vote Like a Texan (with Justin McKenzie)
Last week, I joined Justin McKenzie on the Vote Like a Texan podcast just before I decided to seriously consider another run for office.
We talked about why capitalism and democracy—working together—have lifted more people out of poverty than any other system in history. But I also emphasized something just as important: better policy alone isn’t enough. We need more people showing up.
We discussed how Texas electoral districts work, the difference between state and federal races, and why local elections matter far more than most people realize.
A few themes that matter for Texas’ future:
Participation beats polarization
Good governance requires balance and compromise
Government shouldn’t pick winners—it should set fair conditions
At the end of the day, I don’t care who you vote for. I care that you vote, stay informed, and participate.
No matter your party—vote.
If you’re running for office in Texas — local, state, or federal — and want to have a real conversation with voters instead of trading sound bites, visit www.VoteLikeATexan.com to request an interview and share your vision.
Let me know what you see out there.
PS— Donate here to help us build the team we need to win in March. Did I mention we have less than 70 days before early voting starts?
Joseph Kopser
Co-Founder of USTomorrow