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Andy Hopper (politician)

Andy Hopper (born February 18, 1977) is an American politician serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for the 64th district since 2025. He defeated incumbent Lynn Stucky in the Republican primary runoff election in 2024.[1][2]

Early life and education

Andy Hopper was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 18, 1977. He earned his bachelor's degree at Ohio University in 1997 and a graduate degree from the University of North Texas in 2000.[3] He and his wife, Amanda, have 3 sons and reside in Wise County, Texas.[4]

Hopper has served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas and has been employed as a software engineer in both the private sector and the defense industry. He has served in the Texas State Guard since 2014, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, and he also holds a US Patent.[5][6]

Career

As a freshman member of the House in the 89th Legislative Session, he was appointed to serve on the Agriculture & Livestock committee and the Insurance committee.[7]

Hopper filed House Bill 1982 during his first month in office, which would require approval from the Texas Attorney General and local sheriff for the federal government to execute federal arrest warrants on Texas citizens and granting them a state court hearing before federal custody transfer. Hopper stated that the bill is “in support of President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding the persecution of Americans detained by the federal government after Jan. 6, 2021.”[8]

Hopper also filed HB 2657 which calls for the abolishment of the Texas Education Agency, transferring powers, duties, and employee positions to the state comptroller and the State Board of Education.[9][10]

In 2025, Hopper sponsored a bill to ban gender affirming care for transgender individuals of all ages.[11][12]

On the 11th April 2025, Hopper was criticized by LGBTQ advocates for stating that there are only two sexes during a debate over an amendment he was offering to amend the state budget. [13] He then stated "Those intersex individuals are still XX or XY." Hopper had previously sparred with other members over disagreements related to multiple reports that trans-identifying biological male staffers were using the female staff restroom while the legislature was in session, including one instance that involved a member of his own staff. [14]

References

  1. ^ Colombo, Brooke (November 5, 2024). "Republican Andy Hopper wins Texas House seat, representing Wise and part of Denton counties". KERA. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  2. ^ Betancourt, Juan (May 28, 2024). "Andy Hopper ousts incumbent Stucky in GOP race for House District 64". Denton Record-Chronicle. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  3. ^ "Texas State Rep. Andy Hopper - Biography | LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  4. ^ "Rep. Andy Hopper - Texas State Directory Online". www.txdirectory.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  5. ^ "Families serving together to help Texas". Texas Military Department. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  6. ^ "Rep. Andy Hopper - Texas State Directory Online". www.txdirectory.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  7. ^ Texas Legislature Online - 89th Legislature - Information for Rep. Andy Hopper
  8. ^ Smith, Mark (January 22, 2025). "Hopper files bill to restrain federal warrants for Texans". The Cross Timbers Gazette. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  9. ^ "Texas Legislature Online - 89(R) History for HB 2657". capitol.texas.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  10. ^ Decatur lawmaker wants to eliminate Texas Education Agency | Fort Worth Star-Telegram
  11. ^ "89(R) HB 3399 - Introduced version - Bill Text". capitol.texas.gov. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  12. ^ "TX HB3399 | Anti-trans legislation". translegislation.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  13. ^ Ruby, Emma. "'Andy, That's Not True': North Texas Republican Goes Viral for 'Intersex' Confusion". Dallas Observer. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  14. ^ "Men in Women's Restroom in the Texas House". www.lukemacias.com. Retrieved May 3, 2025.