Taylor Darling (politician)

Dr. Taylor Darling (née Raynor) is an American and British psychologist and public servant who served in the New York State Assembly representing the 18th District from 2019 to 2024. A Democrat, she represents part of Nassau County.

Dr. Taylor Darling
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 18th district
In office January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2024
Preceded by	Earlene Hooper
Succeeded by	Noah Burroughs
Personal details
Born	(1983-11-21) November 21, 1983 (age 41) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Residence(s)	Hempstead, New York, U.S.
Education	Spelman College Hofstra University
Signature
Website	Legislative website

Early life and education

Taylor Darling 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] She also obtained her Doctorate in Psychology, Educational Leadership & Policy.^[3]

Political career

Taylor Darling was the first Spelman woman, HBCU graduate and formerly nationally ranked chess player ever elected to the NYS Assembly. She challenged incumbent Democratic Assemblymember Earlene Hooper in 2018 and ultimately defeated Hooper in the Democratic primary with 52% of the vote.^[4]

Some of Darling's accomplishments for her district include:

• Securing funding for student transportation services, effectively addressing the transportation desert on Long Island and making history by delivering the first-ever buses to the Hempstead School District.^[5]
• Launching New York's first on-site apprentice program between labor union Local 66 and Roosevelt's school district on Long Island—setting the stage for long-term success after high school.^[6]
• Advocating for infrastructure improvements across Long Island; affectionately referred to as the “Pothole Princess,” she successfully secured state funding to address critical road safety issues and pothole repairs.^[7]

2024 State Senate campaign

Darling 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.^[8]