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 Rehmet’s family, supporters, IAM members, and Texas 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 to serve in the Texas Legislature. He is also 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.
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 focused on reducing costs for working families, expanding job opportunities, and prioritizing people over partisan politics.
Craig Martin, Southern Territory General Vice President of IAM Union said: “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 stated: “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 contributed time during Rehmet’s campaign efforts.
Rehmet will seek re-election on November 3, 2026. The IAM Union has announced its intention to continue supporting his candidacy along with other pro-worker candidates throughout this election cycle.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active or retired members employed across various industries including aerospace manufacturing, defense contracting, airlines operations, shipbuilding activities as well as railways among others throughout North America.
