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 brings together members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to focus on political education, electoral strategy, and legislative planning.
The conference holds particular significance this year as delegates prepare for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Attendees discussed challenges such as rising household costs and attacks on workers’ rights amid what organizers described as an urgent political moment.
Brian Bryant, IAM International President, served as keynote speaker 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 became the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate after winning a district previously considered a stronghold for former President Trump.
Hasan Solomon, IAM National Legislative and Political Director, addressed attendees about their recent fundraising achievements: “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,” said Solomon. “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 its conclusion, Bryant joined thousands at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah calling for solidarity among working people nationwide. He urged delegates to continue building their local political programs as preparations begin for next year’s Legislative Conference scheduled for June.
