"I've crossed oceans and deserts to defend our country. Believe me, I can cross an aisle if that's what it takes to solve our problems in Washington, and I’m not afraid to stand up to leaders of both parties to do it."
Joseph Kopser wants to represent the people of the U.S. 21st Congressional District in Washington. He is a 47-year-old entrepreneur who has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. He and his wife Amy live in Austin with their three daughters.
Kopser grew up in a Republican home in Lexington, Kentucky, but eventually became disillusioned with the GOP’s transformation to extreme conservatism. His 20-year military career includes two tours of duty in Iraq, serving as Special Assistant to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff, and as Department Chair of the University of Texas Army ROTC program. After he retired as a Lt. Colonel with a Bronze Star, he became an entrepreneur. He created RideScout, which is a free mobile app that collects ground transportation options to help people get from one place to another more efficiently.
After the 2016 election, Kopser decided it was time once again to serve his country, and he decided to run to represent U.S. District 21 in Congress. Priorities listed on his website include healthcare issues, including women’s health and healthcare for all; clean energy and a sensible approach to climate issues; LGBT equality; criminal justice reform; and reforming the tax laws that support growing income inequality in our county.
