Meet Malcolm

Dr. Malcolm L. Taylor, Jr. is a lifelong public servant, faith leader, and community advocate seeking election to the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 52. A native of Eastover, South Carolina, his life’s work is rooted in service, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting people and strengthening communities.

Dr. Taylor is married to Mrs. Ketisha Ellison Taylor, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Dalton, Jazmine, Makayla (deceased), and Charles Taylor. Family is central to his values and shapes his vision for a stronger, more compassionate South Carolina.

A graduate of Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina, Dr. Taylor answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After his honorable military service, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Livingstone College, a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

Dr. Taylor began his pastoral ministry in 2004 within the A.M.E. Zion Church, serving congregations across the nation. In 2015, he returned home to care for his ailing parents and accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor of New Light Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, South Carolina, beginning full-time pastoral leadership that same year.

During his tenure, Dr. Taylor partnered with church leaders and community organizations to launch ministries addressing real needs, including food pantries, children’s reading programs, community-wide food distributions, access to over-the-counter medical supplies, free clothing, and outreach initiatives designed to promote dignity, hope, and stability.

Dr. Taylor continues to serve in the South Carolina State Guard, where he held the role of Battalion Chaplain. His commitment to public safety led him to the Richland County Coroner’s Office as a Deputy Coroner in 2017, and later to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in 2020.

In 2021, he was elected Moderator of the Upper Division of the Wateree Baptist Association, providing leadership to 19 churches and advancing a shared mission of faith, unity, and service.

A respected civic and fraternal leader, Dr. Taylor previously served as a Commissioner in Cheraw, South Carolina, overseeing public housing governance, fiscal accountability, and compliance with HUD and federal regulations. He has also served as a board member for Sister Care and the American Heart Association and remains active with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sanctorum #25 Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, and the NAACP Lower Richland Branch.

Dr. Taylor currently serves as Senior Pastor of Community Worship Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where he leads faith-based outreach focused on community empowerment, youth development, and support for families and seniors. He also serves on the Professional Development Board of Horrell Hill Elementary School’s Leadership Team, strengthening collaboration among educators, parents, and students.

His service has been recognized through numerous honors, including:

MLK Humanitarian Award (2023)
South Carolina Humanitarian Award (2025)
W.E.B. Du Bois Humanitarian Award (2026)

Despite these accolades, Dr. Taylor considers service to the people his greatest calling.

Dr. Taylor believes public service is grounded in faith, accountability, and action. He is running to bring principled, present, and practical leadership to the South Carolina House of Representatives—ensuring District 52 has a Trusted Voice. Proven Service. Working for HD52.