Taylor Rehmet, a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 776, has been sworn in as the State Senator for Texas Senate District 9. The ceremony took place at the Texas State Capitol, with family, supporters, IAM members, and labor leaders present.
Rehmet is recognized as the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second such member elected to the Texas Legislature. He currently serves as President of IAM Local 776B and leads the IAM’s Texas State Council. In addition to his union roles, Rehmet is a U.S. Air Force veteran and works as an aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth.
His experience includes political and leadership training through both the IAM Union and Texas AFL-CIO. These opportunities have contributed to his reputation as a leader focused on advocating for working families.
“Taylor’s swearing-in is a proud and historic moment for our union and for working people everywhere,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Taylor has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with IAM members and working families, fighting for fairness, dignity, and opportunity. He brings the voice of the shop floor to the State Capitol and understands firsthand the challenges workers face because he’s lived them. His leadership proves that union members are not only building our economy, they are shaping its future and advancing policies that strengthen working families and communities across Texas.”
Rehmet’s campaign gained national attention due to its focus on reducing costs for working families, improving job opportunities, and prioritizing people over party politics.
“This is a proud moment for the IAM Union and the entire Texas labor movement,” said Craig Martin, Southern Territory General Vice President of IAM Union. “Taylor’s swearing-in sends a powerful message that working people belong in positions of leadership and influence. He has shown what is possible when union members step forward to lead, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him to advance policies that lift working families across Texas.”
“I am deeply grateful to the IAM Union, IAM District 776 and the entire Texas labor movement for their unwavering support and belief in this campaign,” said Senator Taylor Rehmet. “This moment belongs to the working people who organized, volunteered, and made their voices heard. I am honored and excited to begin this journey on behalf of Texas working families, and I will fight every day to deliver common-sense solutions that make life better for everyday working people across our state.”
Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar commented on Rehmet’s election: “This is a huge win for Texas workers, who elected Taylor Rehmet from the shop floor to the Senate floor. It’s a historic day for our labor movement, who put in the work and demonstrated what’s possible when we come together in solidarity. Senator Rehmet is a beacon of hope not just for Texas, but for every union member and worker in the state.”
The IAM Union expressed appreciation toward volunteers from District 776 who supported Rehmet’s campaign efforts.
Rehmet will seek re-election on November 3, 2026. The union plans continued support both for his candidacy and other pro-worker candidates throughout Texas elections this year.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active or retired members across several industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing sectors throughout North America.
