{ "id": "ep2mjhec80", "slug": "al-taylor", "title": "Al Taylor", "updated": "2026-10-15", "topic_path": [ { "id": "society", "label": "Society and history", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society" }, { "id": "society.politics", "label": "Politics and government", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions", "label": "Government and public administration", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders", "label": "Politicians and government officeholders (biographies)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials", "label": "US governors and state officials", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators", "label": "State legislators", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators", "label": "Northeastern state legislators", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z", "label": "Surnames Sm to Z", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z", "label": "United States · 2021 and later: Surnames Sm to Z", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z", "path": [ { "id": "geo.us", "label": "United States", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021", "label": "United States · 2021 and later", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society", "label": "Society and history", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics", "label": "Politics and government", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions", "label": "Government and public administration", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders", "label": "Politicians and government officeholders (biographies)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials", "label": "US governors and state officials", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators", "label": "State legislators", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators", "label": "Northeastern state legislators", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z", "label": "Surnames Sm to Z", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Al Taylor is an American politician, a Democrat in the New York State Assembly representing the 71st district, covering Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood, since 2017.", "snippet": "Al Taylor is an American politician, a Democrat in the New York State Assembly representing the 71st district, covering Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood, since 2017.", "node": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-governors-and-state-officials.state-legislators.northeastern-state-legislators.alpha-sm-to-z", "markdown": "# Al Taylor\n\nAl Taylor is an American politician, a Democratic member of the [New York State Assembly](https://www.edgepedia.org/new-york-state-assembly) from the 71st district, which covers Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood. He has represented the district since 2017, when he was elected in a special election in the fall of that year.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) Before joining the Assembly, he served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblyman Herman Farrell, Jr., and as District Leader.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He is also the pastor of Infinity Mennonite Church in Harlem.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n| Fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Party | Democratic[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) |\n| Current office | Member, New York State Assembly, District 71[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) |\n| Previous offices | Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Herman Farrell, Jr.; District Leader[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) |\n| Education | Doctorate of Ministry, Northeastern Seminary; Master of Divinity, Nyack College Alliance Theological Seminary; B.A. in Public Communication, Lehman College[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) |\n\n## Party affiliation\n\nTaylor is a Democrat.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He ran for reelection as a Democratic Member of the Assembly in the 71st Assembly District in the June 2026 primary election.[2](https://www.vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2026/20260623Primary%20Election/01101900071New%20York%20Democratic%20Member%20of%20the%20Assembly%2071st%20Assembly%20District%20EDLevel.pdf)\n\n## Early life and education\n\nTaylor has more than 20 years of advocacy experience in his community, working on public safety, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, civil rights, and veteran services.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) In 2008, he founded the Man Up! in Harlem program, created to combat a rise in gun-related violence in his neighborhood. Through weekly prayer walks at the [Polo Grounds](https://www.edgepedia.org/polo-grounds)' Rucker Park, the program fostered dialogue between residents and leaders, and it has since been replicated in other Upper Manhattan housing projects.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\nHe earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Northeastern Seminary, a [Master of Divinity](https://www.edgepedia.org/master-of-divinity) from Nyack College Alliance Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Public Communication from Lehman College.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n## Career\n\nBefore his election to the Assembly, Taylor served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblyman Herman Farrell, Jr., and as District Leader.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election in the fall of 2017 and has represented the 71st Assembly District since 2017.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\nIn the Assembly, Taylor was appointed by Speaker Carl E. Heastie to the New York State Assembly Banking Committee.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) His district office is at 2541-55 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in New York, and his Albany office is in Room 602 of the Legislative Office Building.[3](https://nyassembly.gov/write/upload/member_files/071/pdfs/20231211_0108369.pdf?v=1702309857)\n\nOn his official Assembly website, Taylor writes, \"It is an honor to represent the 71st District, covering the vibrant communities of Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood.\"[4](https://www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Al-Taylor/about/) He adds, \"I have been committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our neighborhoods and working toward solutions that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.\"[4](https://www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Al-Taylor/about/)\n\n## Electoral history\n\nTaylor was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election in the fall of 2017.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He appeared on the ballot as the Democratic candidate for Member of the Assembly in the 71st Assembly District in the June 2026 primary election.[2](https://www.vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2026/20260623Primary%20Election/01101900071New%20York%20Democratic%20Member%20of%20the%20Assembly%2071st%20Assembly%20District%20EDLevel.pdf)\n\n## Issues specific to Taylor\n\nAs part of his work on violence prevention, Taylor walked 780 miles to Chicago in the \"It's A Love Thing Always\" event to inspire communities to work toward peace.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He also mobilized his community to act after the murder of Islan Nettles, a transgender woman from Harlem, and has been a leader in the fight against bigotry and hatred, according to his official Assembly biography.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\nIn a September 2025 Q&A with PoliticsNY, Taylor was asked which piece of legislation he was most proud to have passed.[5](https://politicsny.com/2025/09/17/inside-government-with-politicsny-a-qa-with-assembly-member-al-taylor/)\n\n## Positions and legislative record\n\n### Public safety and police accountability\n\nTaylor has advocated for policies to improve law enforcement accountability and reduce violence.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He passed legislation creating the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office, which his official biography describes as ensuring accountability in cases of police misconduct.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n### Violence prevention\n\nTaylor founded the Man Up! in Harlem program in 2008 to combat gun-related violence in his neighborhood, using weekly prayer walks at [Rucker Park](https://www.edgepedia.org/rucker-park) to foster dialogue between residents and leaders.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) His official biography states the program is credited with significantly reducing violence in the area.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n### Children and education\n\nTaylor has focused on initiatives to improve access to education and mental health support in schools, particularly for children living in temporary housing.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He passed a law requiring childcare services to adopt anaphylaxis policies to protect children with severe allergies.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n### Voting rights\n\nTaylor passed the \"Make Voting Easy Act\", which mandates that counties designate early voting polling places based on registered voter populations.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n### Civil rights and veteran services\n\nAs an advocate for civil rights, Taylor has introduced and supported legislation aimed at addressing racial disparities and promoting equity in housing, education, and healthcare.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor) He has also worked extensively on veteran services, working to ensure that military families and veterans have access to the support they need.[1](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n\n## References\n\n1. [Al Taylor - Assembly District 71 | New York State Assembly](https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Taylor)\n2. [Statement and Return Report by ED/AD, Democratic Member of the Assembly, 71st Assembly District, June 2026 Primary Election](https://www.vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2026/20260623Primary%20Election/01101900071New%20York%20Democratic%20Member%20of%20the%20Assembly%2071st%20Assembly%20District%20EDLevel.pdf)\n3. [Al Taylor District Newsletter](https://nyassembly.gov/write/upload/member_files/071/pdfs/20231211_0108369.pdf?v=1702309857)\n4. [Al Taylor - About | New York State Assembly](https://www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Al-Taylor/about/)\n5. [Inside Government with PoliticsNY: A Q&A with Assembly Member Al Taylor](https://politicsny.com/2025/09/17/inside-government-with-politicsny-a-qa-with-assembly-member-al-taylor/)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Society and history › Politics and government › Government and public administration › Politicians and government officeholders (biographies) › US governors and state officials › State legislators › Northeastern state legislators › Surnames Sm to Z*\n\n*Initially written Sep 27, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 29, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Sep 29, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Al Taylor\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Al Taylor](https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor](https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Al Taylor\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/al-taylor. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Al Taylor is an American politician, a Democrat in the New York State Assembly representing the 71st district, covering Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood, since 2017." }