page_title: Rashad Taylor
section_title: In politics
hierarchical_section_title: Rashad Taylor / In politics
caption_attribution_description: English: Rep. Taylor speaking in House of Representatives
context_page_description: Rashad Jamal Taylor is a political consultant and former politician from Atlanta, Georgia. A Democrat, he served from 2009 to 2013 in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the City of Atlanta from the 55th House District. He was first elected in November 2008, at 27 years old, making him the youngest serving member of the General Assembly. After re-election in 2010, he was elected Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, the fourth highest ranking leadership position in the House. At 31, Taylor was the youngest member of the General Assembly leadership, House or Senate, Democrat or Republican.
context_section_description: In 2008, state representative Mable Thomas decided against seeking re-election, choosing instead to mount an unsuccessful primary challenge to John Lewis in the 5th congressional district. Her decision created an open seat in the Georgia House, which attracted two candidates, both Democrats, one of whom was Taylor. In the primary election held on July 15, 2008, Taylor earned 62.8% of the vote and won the Democratic nomination. He faced no opposition in the general election and took office on January 12, 2009.
  He ran for re-election in 2010, facing a primary challenge from Mable Thomas, his predecessor in office. In the Democratic primary election held on July 20, 2010, Taylor won 56.1%, winning by a margin of 349 votes. Once again, he won the general election unopposed. His current term expires in January 2013; he will have to run in 2012 to hold onto the seat.
  During his first term, Rep. Taylor served on the Education, MARTA Oversight (MARTOC), and Ways and Means Committees, powerful appointments for a freshman legislator.  He was appointed Chairman of the MARTOC Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Maintenance, the only minority caucus freshman to hold a subcommittee chairmanship.  Taylor was also appointed Deputy Minority Whip by the House Democratic Leader and Whip.
  After re-election in 2010, Taylor was elected Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, handily defeating three other colleagues without a run-off election.  Taylor was also appointed Chairman of the Atlanta-Fulton Legislative Delegation Subcommittee on Housing and Economic Development.  Taylor successfully sponsored legislation for the City of Atlanta to extend its hotel/motel tax to help fund the construction of a new Georgia Dome.
caption: Rep. Rashad Taylor in 2012
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