Ben Koppelman

Ben Koppelman was born on January 2, 1980, and is an American politician and building contractor from West Fargo, North Dakota. He is married to Julie and has two children and one grandchild. Koppelman has been a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives representing District 16 since 2012, serving as a Republican.

Education and Early Career

Koppelman attended North Dakota State University and worked in commercial construction. Before his legislative career, he served on the West Fargo School Board from 2008 to 2012, serving as School Board President during 2011–2012.

Political Experience

Koppelman ran unopposed in the Republican primary in 2012 and won the general election that year. He has successfully held his seat in subsequent elections in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Notably, he served as a delegate for North Dakota during the 2016 United States Presidential election.

His tenure in the legislature has been marked by prolific bill sponsorship. During the 2025 session, Koppelman submitted and sponsored 21 bills—the most of any representative, which tripled the average per representative. His legislative focus has centered on firearm-related bills aimed at reducing gun regulations and measures concerning transgender students in public schools. He also sponsored a bill to raise the state speed limit to 80 mph, which was vetoed by Governor Doug Burgum in 2023.

Koppelman identifies as pro-life and has been endorsed by the North Dakota chapter of the National Right to Life Committee.