Representative Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson is a Democratic Party member serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly. She represents District 96 and assumed office on January 6, 2025. Her current term is set to end on January 4, 2027.

Tara Johnson has had a long and impactful career in public service and community leadership. Before joining the Wisconsin State Assembly, she served as a member of the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors for two decades, from 2000 to 2020. During her tenure, she made history as the first female chairperson of the board, a position she held from 2011 to 2020. Her leadership was marked by significant achievements, including maintaining low taxes while preserving an Aa1 bond rating, improving emergency services, and securing substantial funding for mental health and conservation projects.

Tara’s professional background includes her role as the executive director of the United Way of La Crosse Area, where she worked tirelessly to support community organizations and improve the lives of residents. Her dedication to public service extended to her involvement with the AFSCME union, where she represented her colleagues in contract negotiations.

A proud resident of Shelby, Wisconsin, Tara Johnson is deeply rooted in her community. She is married to Tim Padesky, a retired union electrical contractor, and together they have two adult children, Nicholas and Layna. Tara’s commitment to her constituents and her passion for making a difference continue to define her work in the Wisconsin State Assembly.