MEET TARRA
Tarra Simmons is a lawyer, a civil rights activist, and a national leader in the fight for criminal justice reform.
Raised in Bremerton, she has faced some of the biggest barriers to success and opportunity — from poverty, to opioid use disorder and incarceration. It was with the help of this community — friends, family, colleagues and neighbors — that she was able to overcome these circumstances and become a tireless advocate for change.
Tarra doesn’t simply talk about challenges; she has faced them herself. After her incarceration, she experienced firsthand the challenges of re-entry — economic insecurity, housing affordability, and lack of access to healthcare, education, and job skills training. These are big challenges that many people from all walks of life in our community face on a daily basis.
A CHAMPION FOR PROGRESS
Tarra has played a key role in advocacy efforts on behalf of her community, focusing on education, healthcare, and income equality. Prior to serving as State Representative, her activism and leadership helped pass the New Hope Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that streamlines the process for reintegration after incarceration. Since elected, she has passed over twenty impactful bills increasing healthcare, housing and opportunity for others while advocating for millions of dollars in investments across the district.
Tarra is also a co-founder and consultant for several nonprofits that serve formerly incarcerated people with direct reentry supports, develop leadership capacity and build political power. Furthermore, she is a successful small business owner and successful lawyer that continues to invest in the most marginalized communities throughout her district as a fierce advocate for justice.
A Record of Service
Recognized Leadership
Tarra’s commitment to community, justice, and public service has been recognized through awards and honors throughout her career and education
Kitsap County Homeless Coalition – Elected Official Of the Year 2024-2025
Seattle University, School of Law – Woman of the Year 2022
Fix Democracy First – State Elected Official of the Year 2021
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Legislator of the Year 2021
Senator Murray – Golden Tennis Shoe Award 2019
YWCA Kitsap County – Woman of Achievement 2019
WACDL – Champion of Justice Award 2018
Washington Appleseed – Bradley C Diggs Outstanding Service Award 2018
Seattle University, School of Law – Dean’s Medal 2017
Seattle University – Graduating Student Award 2017
a voice for the community where she was born and raised her family.
REPRESENTING THE 23RD LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Lowering Costs
She reduced financial burdens for small businesses hardest hit during the pandemic, invested in school support staff and helped reduce the price of life-saving prescription drugs, including insulin.
Keeping Kitsap Moving
She supported a $17 billion transportation package that includes funding to build hybrid-electric ferries, improve current ferry operations, address staffing shortages, and provide free fares for anyone 18 and under.
SAFER TRANSPORTATION
This transportation package also funded improvements to bike and pedestrian safety, toll relief, and expansions and upgrades to Highway 3.
cONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN
There's a place for everyone
We’re building a people-powered campaign cross the 23rd legislative district. Add your voice, your time, or your campaign donations to the movement, and help us keep Tarra fighting for her community.
FAQ
How can I ask tarra about a bill or policy?
You can submit your question or ideas through the Priorities page or reach out directly through any of Tarra’s Contact forms. No matter which option you choose, your message will be received by the team and directed to the right place.
How can I invite tarra to an event?
Whether you’d like to invite Tarra to speak, attend an event, or join your community for another occasion, you can Invite Tarra here or check her availability and share the details of your event using the link on the Events page.
Does Tarra have a criminal record?
Tarra’s criminal record was vacated by a Kitsap County Superior Court judge in September 2023 under Washington’s New Hope Act, which expanded eligibility to vacate certain convictions. Her 2013 convictions were set aside and the underlying cases dismissed under Washington law.
Was Tarra's criminal record vacated?
Tarra met Washington’s legal requirements for vacation under the New Hope Act, which expanded eligibility for certain individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and remained crime-free for the period of time since their convictions.
Why is Tarra's past important to her work?
Tarra has experienced many of the systems she now works to change. Her connection to the experiences in the real lives of constituents empowers her work from healthcare and addiction treatment to incarceration, reentry, housing, and employment barriers. Her legislative work includes reforms addressing legal financial obligations, addiction treatment, behavioral healthcare, and reentry that deliver for families across Kitsap County and beyond.
What is the status of tarra's ethics appeal?
On August 14, 2026, the Washington State Legislative Ethics Board dismissed three allegations in the original complaint and found three violations, imposing a total of $15,000 in penalties, plus the state’s legal fees. The Board also affirmed Tarra’s compliance regarding the use of campaign funds. While it’s appreciated that the major allegations were dismissed, there’s disagreement with the remaining findings and an appeal was filed with Thurston County Superior Court on September 25, 2026.
What happens next in the appeal process?
The appeal will proceed through Thurston County Superior Court. The court will review the issues presented through that process. Tarra continues to respect the legal process while remaining focused on representing the people of the 23rd Legislative District.
Why is Tarra appealing the ethics decision?
“As a citizen-lawmaker, I am committed to seeking and adhering to all ethics guidelines in my conduct as a state representative. While I am pleased that the decision by the Ethics Board affirmed that I was in compliance regarding my use of campaign funds and dismissed three allegations in the original complaint, I am disappointed that key evidence and witness testimony was not acknowledged in their other findings.
That’s why I appealed this decision to Thurston County Superior Court and continue to focus on fighting for the priorities of my constituents in reducing barriers to health care, promoting community safety, and combating the skyrocketing cost of living in our communities.”
A Campaign that listens
Your voice matters
Whether you have a question, want to share an issue affecting your community, or want to let her know what matters most to you, she wants to hear from you.
Stay Connected to the Movement
Tarra’s work has always been powered by people who believe in showing up, speaking up, and building a better Washington together. Follow along, get campaign updates, and stay connected to the people and ideas moving this work forward.
