The chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party has died in a motorcycle accident in Utah.
Rebecca “Becca” Taylor was fatally injured when she was struck from behind while returning home from a trip to the state while riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
His parents, along with many of his six siblings, were at his side in the hospital when he died.
Taylor, who was 40 and bisexual, worked as an aviation electrician at the Navy and had volunteered to advocate for victims of sexual assault in the Navy.
San Diego County Democratic Party Chairwoman Rebecca ‘Becca’ Taylor, 40, has died in a motorcycle accident in Utah.
Rebecca ‘Becca’ Taylor was killed when she was hit from behind while returning home from a trip to Utah.
Taylor’s parents along with most of her siblings were by her side at the hospital when she died.
She joined the military in the early 2000s and spent time in Afghanistan and Germany serving during a time when military policy was “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” so she was briefly married to another Navy service member.
In 2014, she was the first woman to serve as chair of the California Young Democratic Veterans Caucus, a group she co-founded.
Taylor then moved to San Diego after leaving the military and graduating from San Diego State University.
She became involved in local political organizing, rising through the ranks to become the party’s top representative and most recently serving as acting chair of the SDCDP for the past seven months after being elected to the post last January.
In his role, he had considerable influence over political contributions and endorsements.
The chairman of the board in party politics sets the agenda for determining who will receive financial and other support from the party and who will appear in influential campaign brochures.
Taylor was a motorcycle enthusiast and often posted photos of herself working on her bike or from her rides on her Instagram.
Her last Instagram post was just a week ago, when she was in Springville, Utah, on her way to a motorcycle event with the Temecula-based riding group Babes Ride Out.
Several people in California’s political world paid tribute to Taylor on Wednesday, remembering her as a strong, clear and compassionate leader.
In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Rebecca Taylor.”
“His dedication to public service and remarkable impact on the San Diego community will never be forgotten,” he said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones at this time.”
Taylor was on a bike trip to Utah when he died in an accident.
Taylor is shown working alongside fellow Democrats in a 2014 photo.
Taylor rose through the ranks of the San Diego County Democratic Party to become the party’s top representative and most recently served as interim chair of the SDCDP for the past 7 months.
Taylor posted a photo of her bike ride on her Instagram.
“Becca made an immeasurable impact on so many people and led San Diego into a brighter future,” said Kyle Krahel-Frolander, interim party chair.
“Becca was more than a leader, she was a public servant. She was a Navy veteran, an advocate for victims of sexual assault, a member of the Ocean Beach City Council, and a volunteer who sought out resources for asylum seekers,” she said.
“She embodied the best in us. We are all beginning to process this shocking and devastating loss. Becca’s family and her extended network of loved ones are in our thoughts as we grieve together.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also offered his condolences.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor. Becca was a tremendous and fierce leader of our local Democratic Party, but she was so much more than that,” she said.
“She was a daughter, a sister, a veteran, a friend to many, and a bright light who inspired us all to live life to the fullest. Her leadership, passion, and dedication to our community have left an indelible mark. Thank you, Becca, for everything. May God be with you.”
Taylor was remembered in tributes across California’s political scene. She is pictured with Vice President Kamala Harris
Taylor was a Navy veteran and seemed to embrace the San Diego lifestyle.
Taylor seemed passionate about cycling and, in addition to her engineering knowledge, she loved tinkering with her bikes.
Fellow San Diego Democrat Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, who worked with Taylor on the campaign trail, appeared devastated at his tribute.
“Team Peters lost one of its brightest alumni last night and we are heartbroken,” said a statement from Peters’ office.
‘We first met Becca Taylor when she was working as an organizer on our 2014 re-election campaign. It was a tough, tense campaign, but above the din of a packed campaign office, we could hear Becca’s distinctive, upbeat voice cheering everyone on, like a one-person cheerleading squad.
‘Becca was a Navy veteran, a talented and tireless advocate and organizer for Democratic causes, and a true friend. Her infectious laugh, bright smile, and sparkle were always there… Today we mourn a great person. This is a brutal loss for all of us. We will miss you so much, sweet Becca. Thank you for everything.’
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