A long-time resident of Pittsburgh’s District 2, Erin has deep roots in the community. Before marrying her husband, Jake, at St. Mary’s on the Mount and settling in Elliott, she spent seven years living in Duquesne Heights. For the past nine years, the couple has called Elliott home, where they bought their first house and became deeply involved in their neighborhood.

As the Community Organizer for the Elliott Community Group, Erin spearheads monthly cleanups, organizes community events, and collaborates with local officials and Zone 6 police to keep residents informed and engaged. Her leadership extends countywide as President of the Allegheny County Council of Republican Women, promoting civic engagement and grassroots initiatives.

Erin’s community impact includes launching the first-of-its-kind “Patriotic Story Hour,” teaching children about the American flag through storytelling. Following the East Palestine train derailment, she organized a donation drive from her Elliott home, collecting and delivering essential supplies to affected residents in Pennsylvania and Ohio—a heartfelt effort that gained national attention.

A first-generation Irish American, Erin grew up in a family of six, instilled with strong conservative values. Her father served as a public works director, while her brothers pursued careers in law enforcement and the military. Erin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News Journalism with a minor in Political Science from West Virginia University and worked nearly two decades in the cosmetics industry, earning recognition for business innovation and growth.

Her experience in media and communications has also been an asset in political work. She was featured as a panelist on “Inside PA Politics,” hosted by Jon Delano on KDKA-TV, representing the local Republican Party in discussions on local and national politics. Her leadership and advocacy led to a speaking role at the 2024 Republican National Convention during the “Make America Safe Again” evening. In her speech, she highlighted the challenges posed by failed leadership in Pittsburgh and called for policies to address crime, dwindling police staffing, and the impacts on small businesses. “I’ve talked to business owners who find human waste, used needles, and shell casings outside their shops,” she shared, emphasizing the need for bipartisan efforts like the one that re-elected District Attorney Steve Zappala in 2023.

Erin’s hands-on approach is evident in her efforts to address homelessness and public safety. In January 2024, she led a team to clean up a homeless encampment in the West End Circle, safely discarding thousands of needles and removing 100 bags of trash. “Pittsburgh needs strong leadership to help those in need while ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe,” she emphasized.

Committed to making District 2 safer, stronger, and more vibrant, Erin Koper is dedicated to being a voice for her neighbors and building a brighter future for all residents.