So, everyone is buzzing about Taylor Frankie Paul. Again. It feels like every time we blink, there’s a new chapter in the chaotic, high-stakes saga of Utah’s most famous "MomToker." If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, you know the question on everyone’s mind: Who is the Taylor Frankie Paul new boyfriend?
Honestly, the answer is way more complicated than just a name and an Instagram tag.
We’ve watched Taylor go through a public divorce from Tate Paul, a "soft-swinging" scandal that practically broke the internet, and a tumultuous, on-again-off-again relationship with Dakota Mortensen. But as of early 2026, the landscape has shifted. We aren't just looking at a random guy she met at a Soda Shop anymore. We’re looking at a national television event.
The Bachelorette Bombshell and the End of Dakota
To understand where Taylor is now, you have to look at how things ended with Dakota. They share a son, Ever, born in March 2024. For a while, it looked like they might actually make it. They were nesting, co-parenting, and trying to move past the 2023 domestic incident and those nagging infidelity rumors.
Then came the split. The real one.
By mid-2025, Taylor confirmed she was moving out and starting over. She told Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy that the relationship was "forever closing" for her. No more hooking up. No more "maybe next week." She needed a clean break.
And she got one. In a move that absolutely nobody saw coming, ABC announced Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead for The Bachelorette Season 22, set to premiere in March 2026.
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This changed everything.
Suddenly, the search for a Taylor Frankie Paul new boyfriend wasn't just about TikTok clues; it became a multi-million dollar production. Because she signed on as the Bachelorette, she’s been under strict contracts. You won't see her "soft-launching" a guy in the background of a dance video right now. If she did find "the one" during filming, it's the best-kept secret in reality TV.
Who are the frontrunners?
Filming wrapped in late 2025, and the spoiler mills have been working overtime. Reality Steve, the king of Bachelor Nation leaks, has pointed to a few names that fans should keep an eye on.
One name that keeps popping up is Shane Parton. He’s a 27-year-old from Atlanta, and word is they had a pretty electric one-on-one date at a Cowboys-Raiders game. They were even spotted filming a hometown date in Union Square, New York, in December 2025.
Then there’s Doug Mason, a 28-year-old from San Diego. According to the latest leaks, Doug is a serious contender for the final two.
It’s a weird vibe, right? Seeing Taylor, who built her brand on raw, unfiltered Mormon-adjacent drama, transition into the polished world of roses and limos. She’s even admitted she’s open to dating "daddies"—men who already have kids—which makes sense given she’s a mom of three herself.
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What about that TikTok "fling"?
Before she headed off to film the show, Taylor did mention a brief "practice" relationship. She told Call Her Daddy about a guy she met on a TikTok Live. He wasn't from Utah. He played guitar and sang.
She basically told him, "I'm going on The Bachelorette, you should sign up." He declined, which she called a "green flag." They aren't together, but he serves as a reminder that Taylor was finally, truly single before the cameras started rolling.
Why the Taylor Frankie Paul New Boyfriend Search is Different This Time
In the past, Taylor’s relationships felt like a car crash you couldn't look away from. The drama with Dakota was heavy. It involved legal issues, trust barriers, and the pressure of a very judgmental "MomTok" community.
This time, she’s outside the "bubble."
She’s stated she doesn't care if her next partner is Mormon. She just wants someone hardworking and motivated. Most importantly, they have to be willing to move to Utah. Taylor was very clear: "I have two baby daddies. I'm going nowhere."
If Shane or Doug (or whoever the winner is) wants to be the Taylor Frankie Paul new boyfriend, they’re buying a one-way ticket to Salt Lake City.
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The co-parenting dynamic
You can't talk about Taylor's dating life without mentioning Tate and Dakota.
- Tate Paul: They’re actually on great terms. Tate has moved on, remarried a woman named Bailey, and had another child. It’s the "healthy" side of her life.
- Dakota Mortensen: This one is still "fresh" and a struggle. Taylor admits Dakota will likely be "sad" watching her find love on TV.
What to Expect Next
We are currently in the "quiet period."
ABC is ramping up the marketing for her season. We’ve seen her hanging out with Bachelor royalty like Kaitlyn Bristowe and Becca Tilley. She’s being folded into the franchise.
If you’re looking for a definitive name, you’ll have to wait for the finale in a few months. But the evidence suggests that Taylor didn't just go on the show for fame—she’s already got that. She went on to find someone who isn't part of the Utah drama circuit.
Whether it's Shane, Doug, or a dark horse we haven't seen yet, the next man in her life is going to have a lot to handle. Three kids, a massive social media following, and a history that's been dissected by millions.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Keep a close eye on Shane Parton’s social media for any "accidental" Utah sightings.
- Watch the Season 22 premiere on March 22, 2026, to see the chemistry for yourself.
- Check out the latest episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu, as they often provide the "real" context that the Bachelor editors might cut out.