Taylor Darling (politician)
Dr. Taylor Darling 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.
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. She graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Hofstra University with a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She also obtained her Doctorate in Psychology, Educational Leadership & Policy.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.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. 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. 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.