Friends, family and Democratic officials mourn Rebecca Taylor

There were strong expressions of condolence for San Diego County Democratic Party Chairwoman Rebecca “Becca” Taylor, 40, an Ocean Beach native who recently died in a motorcycle accident in Utah.

Taylor was on a cross-country ride on her motorcycle when she was struck from behind by another vehicle on her way home on July 16. An avid motorcycle fanatic, her last Instagram post was from Springville, Utah, on her way to a motorcycle event with Babes Ride Out, a motorcycle group based in Temecula.

Taylor grew up in Ocean Beach and served on the OB City Council. She has been chair of the Democratic Party since 2022. She was elected party chair last January after serving as acting chair for nearly a year.

Taylor was born on September 10, 1983, in Plano, Texas, near Dallas. She joined the Navy in the early 2000s and became an aviation electrician.

Taylor spent time in both Afghanistan and Germany. After her military service, she moved to San Diego and later graduated from San Diego State University with a Master of Science in Gerontology.

While in San Diego, Taylor quickly became involved in local political organization and rose to become the party’s top official. She was a founding member of several local Democratic clubs, was eventually elected as a delegate to the California Democratic Party, and served as an executive member of the Democratic Party Central Committee.

One of her first jobs was becoming the first woman to chair the Veterans Caucus of the California Young Democrats in 2014. She was also known for her advocacy for victims of sexual assault and legal access to cannabis. In addition, she worked as a volunteer manager for the San Diego Rapid Response Network, which served asylum seekers.

In the wake of the tragedy, condolences were sent from numerous local and state government officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and San Diego Assemblymen Sara Jacobs and Scott Peters, as well as the San Diego Democratic Party.

“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Rebecca Taylor. Her dedication to public service and remarkable impact on the San Diego community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this time.” – Newsom

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor. Becca was a great leader for our local Democratic Party, but she was so much more than that. She was a daughter, sister, veteran, friend to many, and a shining light who inspired us all to live life to the fullest. Her leadership, passion, and dedication to our community have left an indelible mark. She will be greatly missed, and I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Thank you, Becca, for everything. Good luck.” – Gloria

“Team Peters has lost one of its brightest alumni stars and we are deeply saddened. We met Becca Taylor when she worked as an organizer on our 2014 re-election campaign. Above the dull roar of a packed campaign office, we could hear Becca’s distinctive and upbeat voice cheering others on, a one-man cheer squad. We always cheered Becca on, whether when she ran for Central Committee, when she found a new job, and finally when she became District Chair. Scott and his leadership team have always been very proud of the leaders that come out of our offices and campaigns; we mourn a great one. This is a brutal loss for all of us. We will miss you terribly, sweet Becca. Thank you for everything. Our love and prayers go out to Becca’s family and all who loved her. – Peters

“Becca had an invaluable impact on so many and led San Diego to a better future. She was more than just a leader, she was a public servant and a volunteer who sought resources for asylum seekers. She embodied the best in 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 mourn together.” – Kyle Krahel-Frolander, Acting Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party.

“Becca was dynamic, young and full of energy. She was smart, strategic and pragmatically progressive. Her refreshing style of leadership came at a critical time for us in San Diego. I loved her very much and to lose her so young and so early is deeply painful! Our condolences go out to her family, friends and our community.” – Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni Atkins

“I am heartbroken by the passing of Becca Taylor. Becca dedicated her life to serving others, from the Navy to advocating for victims of sexual violence to engaging more people in our democracy. She was kind, funny, sharp, and endlessly selfless. I will miss her.” – Jacobs

“As an advocate for veterans and the LGBT community, her dedication to San Diego will not soon be forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.” – US Senator Alex Padilla

“Becca Taylor was a brilliant mind, a passionate advocate for our party, a servant to her community, and a long-time member of our LGBTQ+ community, as well as the fiercest spade player you could ever meet. She was a masterful player. She was as funny and kind as she was tenacious. When she set her mind to something, she could move mountains, but she could also light up a room with high energy and her infectious smile from ear to ear. She was so full of happiness and hope. In politics, Becca was known to be a tireless operative and organizer.” – Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, former chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party

“Wind in your hair. Determination in your eyes. The horizon is always miles away. Stand by your convictions, enjoy life’s simple pleasures, live life to the fullest and say to yourself, ‘Yeah, sure! Let’s do it!’ That’s what Becca did. We all should too. May she rest in peace.” – Ryan Trabuco, San Diego Democrats for Equality, one of the largest Democratic clubs in Southern California.