Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson is a Democratic politician and retired nonprofit executive currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 96th Assembly district. She has a history of public service, including a notable tenure on the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, where she was the first female chairperson. Johnson's career reflects her commitment to community engagement and public administration, and she has been active in various capacities within local government and nonprofit organizations.

Early life and career

Tara Johnson was born on June 23, 1962. She pursued higher education at Carroll University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in German in 1984. Following her graduation, Johnson began her professional career at the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, where she worked for five years. Her dedication to community service led her to transfer to the United Way of Brown County, Wisconsin. In 1993, she became the executive director of the United Way of the La Crosse Area, a position that allowed her to further her impact on the community.

During her time at the United Way, Johnson was actively involved in labor relations, as she was a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union. In this role, she represented her colleagues in contract negotiations, highlighting her commitment to advocacy and worker rights. Johnson's early career in nonprofit management and community service laid a strong foundation for her later political endeavors.

Legislative service

Tara Johnson's political career began in 2000 when she ran for a seat on the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors. She challenged a long-serving incumbent, Lila Seager, and positioned her candidacy as a means to bring a fresh perspective to the board. Johnson's campaign was successful, as she won the election by a narrow margin of 19 votes. Over the next two decades, she was re-elected multiple times, serving on the board until 2020.

In 2008, Johnson sought a higher office by running for the Wisconsin State Senate in the 32nd Senate district. This district included La Crosse, Crawford, and Vernon counties, among others. The race was highly competitive, but Johnson was ultimately defeated by the Republican incumbent, Dan Kapanke, falling short by a significant number of votes.

In 2011, following the election of Steve Doyle to the Wisconsin State Assembly, Johnson was elected as the chair of the La Crosse County Board, making history as the first woman to hold this position. She served in this capacity until her departure from the board in April 2020, overseeing various initiatives and contributing to local governance during her tenure.

In 2023, Johnson announced her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives, aiming to represent Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district. However, after the death of her father in January 2024, she withdrew from the race. Shortly thereafter, the Wisconsin Supreme Court mandated a new redistricting plan, which significantly altered the political landscape in the La Crosse area. The redistricting resulted in the creation of three new Assembly districts, including the 96th, which encompassed much of Vernon County and parts of La Crosse County.

In March 2024, Johnson declared her candidacy for the newly formed 96th Assembly district. She faced a contested primary against Viroqua businessman Steven Campbell. Johnson's extensive experience on the county board and her collaborative approach to governance resonated with voters, leading her to win the primary decisively. In the general election, she narrowly defeated the Republican incumbent, Loren Oldenburg, securing her position in the State Assembly. Johnson's victory marked a significant achievement for the Democratic Party in the district, as it had not been held by a Democrat since 1985. She officially took office in January 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Tara Johnson represents the 96th Assembly district, which includes a significant portion of Vernon County and the southwest corner of La Crosse County, including her hometown of Shelby. Johnson's policy focus is informed by her extensive background in community service and local governance. Her experience on the La Crosse County Board has equipped her with insights into the needs and concerns of her constituents.

Johnson's legislative priorities are likely to reflect her commitment to community engagement and collaboration with local governments. Her history of working with various stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations and labor unions, suggests that she may advocate for policies that support social services, economic development, and worker rights. Additionally, her engagement in local governance positions her to address the unique challenges faced by her district, including issues related to public health, education, and infrastructure.

Overall, Tara Johnson's career trajectory demonstrates a sustained commitment to public service and community advocacy. Her transition from nonprofit leadership to elected office illustrates her dedication to improving the lives of the residents in her district. As she continues her legislative work, Johnson's focus on collaboration and community engagement will likely remain central to her approach in the Wisconsin State Assembly.