Taylor Rehmet, a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), 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 currently President of IAM Local 776B and leads the IAM’s Texas State Council. He is noted as the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second such individual to serve in the Texas Legislature. Before his election, Rehmet worked as an aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth and served in the U.S. Air Force.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, said: “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 gained national attention for its focus on reducing costs for working families, creating job opportunities, and prioritizing people over partisan politics.
Craig Martin, Southern Territory General Vice President of IAM Union, 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.”
Senator Rehmet expressed appreciation for those who supported his campaign: “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.”
Leonard Aguilar, President of Texas AFL-CIO said: “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 contributed time during Rehmet’s campaign.
Rehmet will seek re-election on November 3rd, 2026. The union plans continued support both for his campaign as well as other pro-worker candidates throughout Texas.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active or retired members employed across industries such as aerospace manufacturing/maintenance/repair operations (MRO), defense contracting/supply chain roles within shipbuilding/rail/transit systems including healthcare/automotive sectors throughout North America.
