There has been an outpouring of sympathy for San Diego County Democratic Party chair Rebecca “Becca” Taylor, 40, who was from Ocean Beach and was killed recently in a motorcycle accident in Utah.

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

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

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

Taylor spent 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, Taylor quickly became involved in local political organizing, rising through the ranks to become the party’s top representative. She was a founding member of several local Democratic clubs, was eventually elected as a California Democratic Party delegate, and served as an executive board member of the Democratic State Central Committee.

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

In the wake of the tragedy, condolences have been flowing in from numerous government officials locally and statewide, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and San Diego Reps. 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 her 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 heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor. Becca was a tremendous 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 have left an indelible mark. She will be deeply missed, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you, Becca, for everything. Godspeed.” – Gloria

“Team Peters lost one of its brightest alumni stars, and we are heartbroken. We met Becca Taylor when she worked as an organizer in our 2014 re-election campaign. Above the dull roar of a packed campaign office, we could hear Becca’s distinct and upbeat voice cheering others on, a one-person pep squad. We were always cheering on Becca, whether in her run for Central Committee, search for a new job, and then ultimately when she became county party chair. Scott and his leadership team have always taken great pride in the leaders that emerge from our offices and campaigns; we are mourning a great one. This is a brutal loss for all of us. We will miss you tremendously, sweet Becca. Thank you for everything. Our love and prayers go out to Becca’s family, and all who loved her. – Peters

“Becca made an incalculable impact on so many and moved San Diego toward a brighter future. She was more than just a leader, she was a public servant and a volunteer finding resources for asylum seekers. 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 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 brand of leadership came at a critical time for us in San Diego. I liked her immensely and losing her so young and so soon hurts us to the very core! Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and our community.” – Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni Atkins

“I’m heartbroken about Becca Taylor’s passing. Becca devoted her life to serving others, from the Navy to advocating for sexual assault survivors to getting more people involved in our democracy. She was kind, funny, sharp, and endlessly selfless. I’ll miss her.” – Jacobs

“A champion for veterans and the LGBT community, her dedication to San Diego will not soon be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.” – U.S. Senator Alex Padilla

“Becca Taylor was a brilliant mind, a passionate advocate for our party, a servant of her community, and a longtime member of our LGBTQ+ community, as well as the most savage spades player you would 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 abundant energy and her infectious ear-to-ear smile. She was so alive with happiness and hope. In politics, you knew that Becca was an indefatigable operative and organizer.” – Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, former San Diego County Democratic Party chair

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