Taylor Darling (née Raynor) is an American psychologist and politician serving in the New York State Assembly representing the 18th District since 2019. A Democrat, she represents part of Nassau County.
Taylor Darling | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 18th district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Earlene Hooper |
| Succeeded by | Noah Burroughs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 21, 1983 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Reginald Rene |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence(s) | Hempstead, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Spelman College Hofstra University |
| Signature |  |
| Website | Legislative website |
Early life and education
editDarling was born to Raulston and Towana Bertley. Her father was of British, Nigerian, and Trinidadian descent and a convert to Judaism.[1] She graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Hofstra University with a Master of Arts in industrial/organizational psychology.[2]
Political career
editDarling challenged incumbent Democratic Assemblymember Earlene Hooper in 2018. During a candidate forum, Hooper compared the race to a plantation and claimed Darling was a tool for White power brokers in the majority Black district.[3] An anonymous mailer called Darling a "jezebel" and urged voters to "vote against fake Democrat and fake Christian Rayner [Darling]. Jesus sees your vote."[4] She ultimately defeated Hooper in the Democratic primary with 52% of the vote.[5]
2024 State Senate campaign
editDarling announced her campaign for the 6th district of the New York State Senate in 2024 after incumbent Democrat Kevin Thomas announced his intention to run for the United States House of Representatives.[6]
Personal life
editDarling is married to Reginald Rene and is a non-denominational Christian. She has three children: Lorde-Khai, Ford-Kate, and Monroe-Day.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Gronich, Marc (June 29, 2022). "Christian Assemblywoman Ponders Jewish Conversion". The Jewish Press. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Costello, Alex (October 25, 2022). "Candidate Profile: Taylor Darling Running For Assembly District 18". Patch. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Campanile, Carl (July 30, 2018). "Long Island pol invokes 'plantation' politics in racially-charged rant". New York Post. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ "Assembly candidate says anonymous mailers are 'dirty politics'". News 12 Networks. September 12, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- ^ Bolger, Timothy (September 13, 2018). "Newcomer Raynor Declares Victory Over Deputy Speaker Hooper". Long Island Press. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Lewis, Rebecca; Ostreicher, Skye (September 27, 2023). "Taylor Darling announces state Senate bid". City & State. Retrieved June 18, 2024.