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 the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second such member to serve in the Texas Legislature.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Texas State Capitol, attended by Rehmet’s family, supporters, IAM Union members, and leaders from Texas labor organizations. Rehmet currently serves as President of IAM Local 776B and leads the IAM’s Texas State Council.
Rehmet is a U.S. Air Force veteran and works as an aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. He has also participated in political and leadership training through both the IAM Union and Texas AFL-CIO.
“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 received national attention for its focus on lowering costs for working families, increasing job opportunities, and prioritizing people over partisan interests.
“This is a proud moment for the IAM Union and the entire Texas labor movement,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “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 Texas State Sen. 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,” he said. “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 as well as other members across Texas who contributed time supporting Rehmet’s campaign.
Senator Rehmet will be up for re-election on November 3, 2026. The IAM Union stated it remains committed to supporting his candidacy along with other pro-worker candidates statewide during this election cycle.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active or retired members throughout North America across various sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways transit systems healthcare automotive industries among others.
