The chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Utah.
Rebecca “Becca” Taylor was fatally injured when she was struck from behind while driving home from an upstate trip on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Her parents, along with many of her six siblings, were with her in the hospital when she died.
Taylor, 40 and bisexual, worked as an aircraft mechanic in the Navy and volunteered in the Navy as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse.
San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Rebecca “Becca” Taylor, 40, has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Utah.
Rebecca ‘Becca’ Taylor was killed when she was struck from behind while driving home from a trip to Utah
Taylor’s parents, along with most of her siblings, were at her bedside in the hospital when she died
In the early 2000s, she joined the Army and spent time in Afghanistan and Germany, where the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was in effect. During that time, she briefly married another Navy serviceman.
In 2014, she became the first woman to chair the Veterans Caucus of the California Young Democrats, which she co-founded.
After Taylor left the military and graduated from San Diego State University, he moved to San Diego.
She became involved in local political organization and rose to become the party’s top deputy. Her last position was as acting chair of the SDCDP for the past seven months after being elected to the position in January.
In her role she had significant influence on political contributions and recommendations.
The chairman of the party board determines who receives economic and other support from the party and who appears in influential campaign mailings.
Taylor was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and often posted photos of herself working on her bike or from her travels on Instagram.
Her last post on Instagram was a week ago, when she was in Springville, Utah, en route to a motorcycle event with the Temecula motorcycle group Babes Ride Out.
Several people in California’s political community paid tribute to Taylor on Wednesday, remembering her as a strong, clear and compassionate leader.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Rebecca Taylor.”
“Her dedication to public service and her remarkable impact on the San Diego community will never be forgotten,” he said. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones at this time.”
Taylor was on a bike trip to Utah when she was killed in an accident
Taylor is pictured working with her fellow Democratic Party members in a 2014 photo
Taylor rose through the ranks of the San Diego County Democratic Party to become its top representative. For the past 7 months, he has served as acting chairman of the SDCDP.
Taylor posted a photo of her bike ride on her Instagram
“Becca has had an immeasurable impact on so many and has led San Diego to a brighter future,” said Kyle Krahel-Frolander, the party’s acting chair.
“Becca was more than a leader, she was a public servant. She was a Navy veteran, an advocate for victims of sexual abuse, a member of the Ocean Beach City Council and a volunteer who sought resources for asylum seekers,” he said.
“She embodied the best of us. We are all just beginning to process this shocking and devastating loss. Becca’s family and extended network of loved ones are in our thoughts as we grieve together.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also expressed his condolences.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor. Becca was a tremendous and fierce leader for our local Democratic Party, but she was so much more than that,” he said.
“She was a daughter, sister, veteran, friend to many, and a lighthouse that inspired us all to live life to the fullest. Her leadership, passion, and dedication to our community left an indelible mark. Thank you, Becca, for everything. Godspeed.”
Taylor was mourned in tributes from across the political spectrum in California. She is pictured here with Vice President Kamala Harris
Taylor was a Navy veteran and seemed to embrace the San Diego lifestyle
Taylor seemed passionate about cycling and combined with her knowledge of engineering she enjoyed tinkering with her bikes
Fellow Democratic Rep. Scott Peters of San Diego, who worked with Taylor during the campaign, appeared distraught in his tribute.
“Team Peters lost one of its greatest alumni stars last night, and we are saddened,” a statement from Peters’ office said.
‘We met Becca Taylor when she was working as an organizer on our 2014 re-election campaign. It was a tough and tense campaign, but above the dull roar of a packed campaign office, we could hear Becca’s distinctive, upbeat voice encouraging others, a one-person pep team.
“Becca was a Navy veteran, a talented and tireless advocate and organizer for Democratic causes, and a true friend. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and twinkle were ever present. … Today we mourn a great loss. This is a terrible loss for all of us. We will miss you dearly, dear Becca. Thank you for everything.”