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. Rehmet is recognized as the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second such member ever elected to the Texas Legislature.
Rehmet, who also serves as President of IAM Local 776B and leads the IAM’s Texas State Council, took his oath at the Texas State Capitol with family, supporters, and numerous IAM members and labor leaders present. His background includes service as a U.S. Air Force veteran and work as an aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. He is known for his involvement in community organizing and advocacy for working families.
According to IAM Union International President Brian Bryant: “Taylor’s swearing-in is a proud and historic moment for our union and for working people everywhere. 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 was noted nationally for focusing on reducing costs for working families, expanding job opportunities, and prioritizing people over party politics.
IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin stated: “This is a proud moment for the IAM Union and the entire Texas labor movement. 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.”
Expressing gratitude after being sworn in, Rehmet said: “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. 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: “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 acknowledged volunteers from District 776 who supported Rehmet’s campaign efforts throughout Texas.
Rehmet will be up for re-election on November 3, 2026. The IAM Union plans continued support both for his campaign efforts as well as other pro-worker candidates during upcoming elections.
The organization represents around 600,000 active or retired workers across various industries including aerospace, defense sectors like shipbuilding or railroads; transit; healthcare; automotive; airlines; among others throughout North America.
