IAM Union members and activists from across the country gathered in Savannah, Georgia, for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference, according to a March 31 announcement. The annual event brought together participants to focus on political education, electoral and legislative strategy, and efforts to build union power as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
The conference comes at a time when delegates face issues such as rising household costs, attacks on workers’ rights, and what organizers describe as threats to American democracy. These challenges have added urgency to this year’s discussions and planning sessions.
IAM International President Brian Bryant delivered the keynote address at the conference. “The MNPL isn’t just another conference,” said Bryant. “This is the political engine of our union. This is where power is built. This is where we decide whether we will shape the future or have it decided for us.”
Delegates also heard from Taylor Rehmet, IAM District 776 member and Texas State Council of Machinists President, who was noted for flipping a district with a strong Republican history by becoming the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate. IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon said: “Our MNPL program helps remind elected officials in the statehouse and on Capitol Hill that IAM members and our issues should always be a part of the conversations.” Solomon continued: “The activists who came to Savannah should be proud of the work they did in exceeding the fundraising goal we set at the 2025 MNPL conference. These contributions will ensure that IAM members’ voices will be heard loud and clear on our issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.”
At the end of this year’s gathering, Bryant joined thousands at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah calling for solidarity, economic justice, and greater political engagement among working people nationwide.
Bryant and Solomon encouraged delegates to keep building their local political programs and grow enrollment in MNPL checkoff initiatives. The MNPL was established in 1947 so IAM members could coordinate political activity through individual contributions supporting candidates aligned with their interests; next year marks its eightieth anniversary.
Looking ahead, IAM Union’s Legislative Conference is scheduled for June 22–24 at Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
