San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Rebecca Taylor dies at 40

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Rebecca Taylor, the chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, died on Wednesday after a motorcycle crash in Utah. She was 40 years old.

According to a statement from the San Diego County Democratic Party, she was hit by another vehicle from behind while riding home from a trip. Her parents and most of her siblings were with her in the hospital when she passed, the statement added.

“Becca made an incalculable impact on so many and moved San Diego toward a brighter future,” said Kyle Krahel-Frolander, acting chair of the County Democratic Party.

“She was more than just a leader, she was a public servant. Becca was a Navy veteran, an advocate for victims of sexual assault, a member of the OB Town Council, and a volunteer finding resources for asylum seekers. She embodied the best of us,” Krahel-Frolander continued. “Becca’s family and extended network of loved ones are in our thoughts as we mourn together.”

Taylor was voted into the role as party chair last January after serving as acting chair for nearly a year. She took on the role in the wake of former Chair Will Rodriguez-Kennedy’s resignation amid sexual assault allegations.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Taylor joined the military in the early 2000s as an aviation electrician, spending time in both Afghanistan and Germany. She moved to San Diego after leaving military service, later graduating from San Diego State University with a Master of Science in Gerontology.

While in San Diego, she quickly became involved in local political organizing, rising through the ranks to become the party’s top representative.

One of her first roles was as Chair of the Veterans Caucus of the California Young Democrats, later serving on the Ocean Beach Town Council. She also was known for her advocacy for victims of sexual assault and legal cannabis access.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in his own statement. “Becca was a tremendous and fierce 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 bright light who inspired all of us to live life to the fullest.”

“Her leadership, passion, and dedication to our community has left an indelible mark. She will be deeply missed,” he continued.

Beloved by many elected officials, organizers and activists in Democratic Party circles, she is being remembered as a strong, clear and compassionate leader.

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he and First Partner Jennifer Newsom are “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 continued. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this time.”

Activist Shane Harris expressed similar sympathies to the family of the late Democratic Party Chair, saying in a statement that he had known Taylor for “a number of years” while working on an array of local issues.

“I will miss Becca for years and years to come and am praying for her family and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time,” he continued.

Corey Gustafson, chair of the Republican Party of San Diego County, also voiced condolences to the family and loved ones of Taylor, remembering her in a post on X , formerly Twitter.

“Her service as a Navy veteran and her dedication to our community are commendable,” Gustafson said in the post. “I went to college with Becca and remember that she brought laughter and fun to her friends and classmates. While we had our political differences, I respected her commitment and passion. Rest in peace, Becca.”

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, her last post on Instagram was from just a week ago , when she was in Springville, Utah on her way out to a riding event with the Temecula-based motorcycle group, Babes Ride Out.

“The heaviest heart today with news of losing someone that’s such a huge part of the motorcycle community,” the group wrote in a tribute Instagram post to Taylor on Wednesday. “Becca was always smiling, adventuring, and riding. She was always ‘there’ and asking about our families and what’s next.”

“Loss like this is difficult, there are no answers, no reasons, only sadness and pain her loved ones are going through,” the post continued. “Rest in beautiful peace Becca.”

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