The internet’s favorite "MomTok" pioneer is back at the center of the dating rumor mill. If you’ve been following the whirlwind that is Taylor Frankie Paul, you know the last few years have been nothing short of a cinematic drama. From the soft-swinging scandal that basically broke the Mormon community to a high-profile breakup with her second baby daddy, Dakota Mortensen, it’s hard to keep up.
But here we are in early 2026, and the question of who is Taylor Frankie Paul dating has a very specific, televised answer.
Taylor is officially the star of The Bachelorette Season 22. It’s a massive deal because she is the first lead in the franchise’s history to be pulled from outside the traditional Bachelor ecosystem. No previous "journey" on a Bachelor's season. No runner-up status. Just Taylor, her three kids, and a fleet of men trying to figure out if they can handle the Utah lifestyle.
The End of the Dakota Mortensen Era
Before we look at the new guys, we have to talk about why she’s single in the first place. Honestly, the breakup with Dakota Mortensen was heavy. It wasn’t just a "we grew apart" situation; it was played out across seasons of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu.
They shared a lot. They had a son, Ever, in March 2024. They dealt with sobriety, legal issues following a 2023 domestic dispute, and constant rumors of infidelity. By mid-2025, Taylor confirmed the relationship was dead for good. She moved out of their shared home, citing a lack of trust and "betrayal" that they just couldn't outrun.
"I think he has that hope still to this day," Taylor mentioned in an interview back in May 2025. "But right now, I’m focusing on only me."
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That focus clearly shifted toward a giant diamond ring and a production crew.
Who are the Finalists? Spoilers and Rumors
Filming for Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette wrapped up late in December 2025. Since the show is set to premiere in March 2026, the internet is already leaking names. If you’re looking for who she is dating right now, the names coming out of the spoiler camps—specifically from sources like Reality Steve—are starting to narrow down.
The "Final Three" that everyone is whispering about are Lew Evans, Shane Parton, and Doug Mason.
The Shane Parton Connection
Shane Parton seems to be the frontrunner that has fans losing their minds. He’s 27, from Atlanta, and was spotted filming a one-on-one date with Taylor at a Cowboys-Raiders game. Even more telling? They were seen filming a "hometown" style date in Union Square, New York, in early December.
The chemistry in the leaked TikToks is, frankly, pretty intense.
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The Local Contender: Lew Evans
Then there’s Lew Evans. He’s 32 and—crucially—he’s from Salt Lake City. Taylor has been very vocal about the fact that she isn't leaving Utah. She has three kids and two different co-parenting schedules to manage. If a guy isn't willing to move to the land of dirty sodas and mountains, he’s out. Lew being a local gives him a massive home-field advantage.
The "Wildcard": Doug Mason
Doug Mason, a 28-year-old from San Diego, is also rumored to be in the final two. He’s got the look, but the distance might be the dealbreaker. Unless Doug is ready to trade the beach for the Great Salt Lake, he might just be the "heartbreak" edit of the season.
Why This Season is Different
Usually, The Bachelorette feels like a polished, somewhat repetitive formula. Taylor Frankie Paul changes that vibe entirely. She’s a 31-year-old mother of three. She’s been divorced. she’s been through a public scandal that would have buried most influencers.
Her dating pool this time around is also older, ranging from 27 to 44. She told Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy that she needed someone "hardworking and motivated" because she’s already doing the heavy lifting at home.
The stakes are higher. This isn't just about a rose; it's about who is going to step into a life that already includes:
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- Indy and Ocean: Her children with her first husband, Tate Paul.
- Ever: Her toddler with Dakota Mortensen.
- The MomTok Spotlight: A career built on transparency and, occasionally, chaos.
Navigating the Co-Parenting Minefield
If you're wondering how her exes feel about her dating 25 men on national TV, it's a mixed bag. Taylor has said that her relationship with her first husband, Tate, is "smooth sailing." They’ve figured out the rhythm.
Dakota, on the other hand? That’s more complicated. Reports surfaced in late 2025 that there was some tension regarding custody of Ever while Taylor was away filming. Taylor admitted she didn't even give Dakota a heads-up before the news broke that she was the Bachelorette. She expected him to be "sad," but she had to move forward.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a common misconception that Taylor is just "doing this for clout." While she’s definitely a savvy businesswoman, those close to her suggest she’s actually terrified of being alone. She jumped from a six-year marriage straight into the tumultuous years with Dakota.
This televised journey is, ironically, the most "single" she’s been in a decade.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with who Taylor Frankie Paul is dating as the season approaches, here is how to filter the noise:
- Watch the SLC "Spottings": Taylor is back in Utah now that filming has ended. Keep an eye on local sightings at Harmons or Fashion Place Mall. If she’s with a guy who looks like a fitness model and isn't Dakota, he’s likely the winner.
- Follow the "Follows": Contestants like Josh Harward (who allegedly dated Taylor's sister years ago) were already on her radar. Check who she interacts with on TikTok once the "social media blackout" for the cast is lifted.
- Check the Premiere Date: Mark March 22, 2026, on your calendar. That’s when we officially see the first meeting.
- Ignore the "Never Say Never" Quotes: While Taylor used to say she might go back to Dakota, her Bachelorette contract almost certainly forbids that for the foreseeable future. For now, the Dakota chapter is closed.
Taylor’s dating life has always been a spectator sport. Whether she finds a permanent "step-dad" for her kids or just another viral storyline remains to be seen, but for the first time in a long time, she’s the one holding the cards—and the roses.