Representative Michael J. Kopetski

Michael Joseph “Mike” Kopetski was born on October 27, 1949, in Pendleton, Oregon. Raised in eastern Oregon, he came of age during a period of social and political change in the United States, influences that would later shape his interest in public service and the law. His early life in a small Oregon community provided him with firsthand exposure to the concerns of rural residents and the economic and social issues facing the region.

Kopetski pursued higher education in Oregon, ultimately preparing for a career in law and public affairs. He trained as a lawyer, gaining the legal background that would underpin much of his later work in both the private and public sectors. His legal education and early professional experiences helped him develop an understanding of regulatory frameworks, business operations, and the legislative process, skills that would prove useful when he entered electoral politics.

Before his election to Congress, Kopetski worked as a lawyer and businessman, building a career that combined legal practice with involvement in commercial and policy-related activities. His work in the private sector exposed him to the practical effects of federal and state legislation on businesses and communities, reinforcing his interest in shaping public policy. As he became more active in civic and political affairs, he aligned himself with the Democratic Party, reflecting his commitment to issues such as economic opportunity, access to services, and responsive government.

Michael J. Kopetski served as a Representative from Oregon in the United States Congress from 1991 to 1995. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served two terms in office, participating in the legislative process during a significant period in American history that included debates over budget priorities, economic policy, and the post–Cold War international order. As a member of the House of Representatives, Michael J. Kopetski participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents, working within the committee system and on the House floor to advance legislation and respond to the needs of Oregonians.

During his tenure in Congress, Kopetski contributed to the development and consideration of federal policy affecting both his district and the nation. He served at a time when issues such as trade, environmental regulation, health care, and fiscal policy were prominent in congressional deliberations. Drawing on his background as a lawyer and businessman, he brought a practical perspective to questions of regulation and economic development, and he worked with colleagues in both parties on matters of regional and national concern. His service from 1991 to 1995 placed him in the midst of major legislative debates that helped define domestic and foreign policy in the early 1990s.

After leaving Congress in 1995, Kopetski returned to private life, continuing his work as a lawyer and businessman. He remained engaged in public affairs through professional, civic, and policy-related activities, applying his congressional experience and legal training to consulting, business, and international work. In his later career, he has been associated with efforts that draw on his understanding of government, law, and commerce, reflecting the continuity between his pre-congressional professional life and his post-congressional endeavors.

Michael Joseph “Mike” Kopetski’s career thus spans the legal profession, business, and elected office, with his two terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995 marking the centerpiece of his public service. As a Democratic member of Congress from Oregon, he played a role in the national legislative process while maintaining a focus on the interests and concerns of his constituents, and he has continued to contribute his expertise in law and business in the years since his congressional service.