AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) proudly congratulates IAM District 776 member, labor activist, and union leader Taylor Rehmet on being sworn in as the State Senator representing Texas Senate District 9.
Rehmet, who serves as President of IAM Local 776B and President of the IAM’s Texas State Council, took the oath of office at the Texas State Capitol surrounded by family, supporters, and a large delegation of IAM Union members and Texas labor leaders who proudly stood in solidarity to witness this historic moment. Rehmet is the first rank-and-file union member ever elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second rank-and-file union member ever elected to the Texas Legislature.
A U.S. Air Force veteran and aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, Rehmet is a skilled machinist and dedicated community organizer who has built a reputation as a principled leader committed to improving the lives of working families. His leadership journey has been shaped in part by political and leadership training through the IAM Union and the Texas AFL-CIO, where he developed the tools and experience to advocate effectively for working people both on and off the job.
“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 successful campaign earned national notoriety for its common-sense platform focused on lowering costs for working families, strengthening job opportunities, and putting people ahead of partisan politics.
“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.”
“This is a huge win for Texas workers, who elected Taylor Rehmet from the shop floor to the Senate floor,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar. “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 also extends its deep gratitude to IAM District 776 volunteers and IAM Union members across Texas who volunteered countless hours to support Rehmet’s campaign and continue to stand with him today.
Rehmet will be on the ballot for re-election on Nov. 3, 2026. The IAM Union is extremely proud of his leadership and is mobilized to re-elect Senator Rehmet and support pro-worker candidates up and down the ballot this November. The union will continue working with partners across the labor movement, including the Texas AFL-CIO and allied organizations, to ensure working families have a strong and lasting voice in the Texas Legislature.
The IAM Union looks forward to continuing to work with State Sen. Rehmet to advance pro-worker policies and ensure that the voices of working families are heard, respected and represented in the Texas Legislature.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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