IAM California State Council Mobilizes in Sacramento

March 19, 2026

Delegates from the IAM California State Council recently gathered in Sacramento for the spring meeting, bringing together delegates from across the state to focus on legislative priorities, union strategy, and the road ahead for working families in 2026.

WATCH: Energizing IAM Voters in the Golden State

The one-day meeting opened with a keynote address from IAM International President Brian Bryant, who called on the IAM California State Council to stay organized, engaged, and united as the 2026 election cycle accelerates.

Bryant framed the fight we face ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“Members in California have always been on the front lines in fighting for retirement security and fair trade policies that put workers first,” said Bryant. “I applaud this state council for endorsing candidates with a pro-worker agenda. We live in the richest country in the history of the world, and right now, billionaires keep getting richer while working families are being told to do more with less. I am proud of this state council for the work they are doing to  get people engaged this election cycle.”

IAM California State Council President Marty Martinez and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Brandon presided over the meeting, leading delegates through council business, the candidate endorsement process, and mobilizing members for the 2026 midterm elections. 

“IAM members in California have never shied away from a fight, and 2026 is no different,” Martinez said. “Our members show up every day to do the work that keeps this state and this country moving. Now it’s time to make sure the people making decisions in Sacramento and Washington know exactly who we are and what we stand for.”

IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez addressed delegates on the priorities of the state and Territory.  

“California is the heart of the Western Territory, and what happens here matters for working people across this entire region,” said Martinez. “When our members are organized, engaged, and fighting together, there is no challenge we cannot meet. That’s what this union is built on, and that’s exactly what we’re going to bring in the 2026 midterm elections.”

IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen also addressed the council, speaking about the importance of the upcoming election for  IAM members in the airline industry.

“We have an important election coming up,” said Johnsen. “Collective bargaining, the right to strike, and so many other labor issues are on the table and under attack. Our members have to be engaged in this election cycle to push back against anti-union forces.” 

IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon gave a report on the IAM’s Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) and the work ahead to ensure IAM members have a powerful voice in the 2026 elections. 

“The IAM’s political engagement is rooted in pocketbook issues, not party affiliation, said Solomon. The IAM supports candidates who stand with working families on jobs, contracts, and retirement security. Our union will continue to fight on Capitol Hill and state houses across the nation, including Sacramento. 

California state lobbyist Shane Gusman provided a detailed briefing on the key bills, political dynamics, and advocacy opportunities that will shape conditions for California workers in the months ahead. 

The meeting concluded with IAM’s Assistant Veterans Service Coordinator Bryan Stymacks, who spoke on the IAM’s commitment to the men and women who have served in uniform. The IAM’s Veterans Services program remains one of the most robust member support programs in the labor movement, providing guidance, resources, and advocacy for IAM veterans and their families. Delegates from the IAM California Spring State Council Meeting left fired up and ready to deliver some electoral victories for California’s working families.

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