Taylor Rehmet, a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), has been sworn in as the State Senator for Texas Senate District 9. Rehmet is the first rank-and-file union member to be elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second to serve in the Texas Legislature.
Rehmet currently serves as President of IAM Local 776B and leads the IAM’s Texas State Council. He took his oath at the Texas State Capitol, joined by family, supporters, and a significant presence from IAM members and labor leaders from across Texas.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Rehmet has been recognized for his advocacy on behalf of working families. His background includes political and leadership training through both IAM Union programs and the 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 focused on issues such as reducing costs for working families, improving job opportunities, and prioritizing people over party 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 expressed thanks to its volunteers who supported Rehmet’s campaign efforts throughout Texas.
Rehmet will seek re-election on November 3, 2026. The IAM Union stated it will continue supporting pro-worker candidates alongside organizations like the Texas AFL-CIO.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active or retired members employed in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, among others throughout North America.
