Candidate Profile: Taylor Darling Running For Assembly District 18

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. In the 18th Assembly District, voters will be choosing between incumbent Democrat Taylor Darling and Republican challenger LaMont Johnson.

The 18th Assembly District includes Lakeview, Hempstead, West Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Freeport and Merrick. Early voting starts on Oct. 29. You can check your voter registration and find your polling place by clicking here.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the races to answer questions about their campaigns. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Taylor Darling

Campaign website

https://taylordarling.org

City or town of residence

Hempstead, NY

Office sought

NYS Assembly District 18

Party affiliation

Democratic Party

Education

I graduated from Uniondale High School at 16 years old. I graduated from Spelman College at 19 years old with a degree in Psychology and minor in Creative Writing. I graduated from Hofstra University with a Masters in I/O Psychology. I currently am All But Dissertation (ABD) in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Hofstra University.

Occupation

Public Servant/Assemblywoman of District 18 for 3 years and 8 months.

Family

Yes! My husband and I have 3 phenomenal children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

39

Previous public office, appointive or elective

NYS Assemblywoman of the 18th District

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because I have worked tirelessly to bring excellence to the 18th. My team and I have made incredible strides since 2018 but we still have a lot of inequities to balance out.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience, an unmatched strategic ability, an incredible track record and the relationships required to efficiently, urgently and effectively resolve issues in the community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Whatever issues the community hand to me. They really determine the direction I go.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My team and I have resolved over 1,500 constituent issues, I have personally allocated over $4 million in funding throughout the 18th Assembly District, I have provided over $300,000 to community organizations as well as sponsored and cosponsored landmark legislation that has improved the lives of New Yorkers throughout the state.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Your approach determines success or failure.
Remember WHO you are and WHOSE you are.
LOOK UP AND KEEP YOUR EYES FOCUSED ON GOD AND EVERYTHING WILL BE ALL RIGHT.
UNDER Promise and OVER DELIVER.
When you’re a leader, the single most important thing you bring to the table is your state of mind.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My favorite words and phrases: transparency, accountability, consistency, simplicity, innovation, follow through, resourcefulness, collaboration, engagement, equity and building generational wealth. I have a strong history of identifying and resolving complex issues personally and professionally. I am well versed in budget management, developing effective ways to decrease costs and increase profit as well as budget management. I am also transparent, inclusive and ACCESSIBLE- which is essential to building the relationships I need to deliver to my community.