Ben Koppelman

Ben Koppelman is an American politician and building contractor who has served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives for the 16th district since 2012. A member of the Republican Party, Koppelman has been actively involved in state politics and has held various positions within the legislature. His career has been marked by a focus on education, gun rights, and election laws, reflecting his conservative values and policy priorities.

Early life and career

Ben Koppelman was born on January 2, 1980. He graduated from West Fargo High School, where he likely developed foundational skills and interests that would later influence his career in public service and business. Following high school, Koppelman attended North Dakota State University, where he pursued higher education that would prepare him for his future endeavors in construction and politics. After completing his studies, he ventured into the construction industry, eventually becoming the president of Vision Construction LLC in 2003. This role not only established him as a successful businessman but also provided him with insights into the economic and regulatory challenges faced by the construction sector.

Koppelman's entry into public service began in 2008 when he was elected to the West Fargo School Board. His commitment to education and community service became evident during his tenure on the board, and he quickly ascended to the position of president in 2011. This leadership role allowed him to influence educational policies and initiatives at the local level. However, Koppelman chose to leave the school board in 2012 to pursue a seat in the North Dakota House of Representatives, marking a significant transition in his political career.

Legislative service

In 2012, Koppelman ran for the North Dakota House of Representatives as a Republican candidate for the 16th district. He was unopposed in the primary election, which facilitated his path to the general election. Upon winning the election, Koppelman joined the legislature, where he served alongside his father, Kim Koppelman, who was then the Speaker of the House. This familial connection to state politics may have provided Koppelman with valuable insights and support as he navigated his new role.

Koppelman has successfully retained his seat in subsequent elections, including those held in 2016, 2020, and 2024. His continued presence in the legislature reflects his ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns. In addition to his legislative duties, Koppelman served as a delegate for North Dakota during the 2016 United States Presidential election. His involvement at this level of national politics highlights his engagement with broader political issues and his commitment to representing North Dakota's interests.

Throughout his tenure in the North Dakota House, Koppelman has been particularly active in sponsoring and submitting legislation. He has gained recognition for his focus on firearm-related bills, often advocating for measures that reduce regulations on gun ownership and use. His legislative efforts have included proposals aimed at expanding gun rights, such as allowing firearm possession in religious institutions and loosening restrictions related to self-defense laws. Koppelman's strong support for the Second Amendment has earned him an A+ rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund, which has endorsed him in multiple election cycles.

In addition to his work on gun rights, Koppelman has also been involved in education-related legislation. He has voted to expand free school lunch programs and has supported initiatives aimed at reducing the requirements for teachers to obtain lifetime teaching licenses. However, his positions on education have not been without controversy. Koppelman has faced criticism for supporting policies that restrict access to certain educational materials and for advocating for parental rights legislation that some local education groups have opposed.

Koppelman's legislative activities have also extended to election laws. In the 2025 session, he submitted a bill to ban ranked-choice voting and approval voting in North Dakota, reflecting his commitment to traditional voting methods. This bill followed a previous attempt that was vetoed by the former governor. Koppelman has also supported measures that would require candidates to gather a specific number of signatures to qualify for the ballot, regardless of party endorsement, which aligns with his views on electoral integrity.

Policy focus and district

Koppelman's policy focus is characterized by a strong conservative ideology, particularly on issues related to gun rights, education, and LGBTQ+ rights. His advocacy for the Second Amendment is a defining aspect of his legislative agenda, and he has consistently worked to introduce and support bills that align with this focus. His efforts to promote gun rights have included attempts to ban red flag laws and to allow constitutional carry on college campuses, showcasing his commitment to expanding gun ownership rights.

In the realm of education, Koppelman has championed school choice initiatives, including proposals for state-sponsored educational savings accounts for private school students. His support for controversial educational policies, such as book bans and restrictions on transgender students' participation in school sports, has drawn attention and criticism from various advocacy groups. These positions reflect a broader national conversation about educational content and the rights of students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Koppelman's district, the 16th district of North Dakota, encompasses a diverse constituency that includes urban and suburban areas. His ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns has been a key factor in his electoral success. As he continues to serve in the legislature, Koppelman remains focused on advancing his policy priorities while navigating the complexities of state governance.

In summary, Ben Koppelman is a prominent figure in North Dakota politics, known for his conservative stance on various issues and his active participation in the legislative process. His background in business and education, combined with his commitment to representing his constituents, has shaped his approach to governance and policy-making. As he continues to serve in the North Dakota House of Representatives, Koppelman's influence on state legislation and his advocacy for conservative values will likely remain significant in the years to come.