12 Facts About Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Wisconsin's 96th Assembly district since 2025.

Tara Johnson graduated from Carroll University in 1984, with her bachelor's degree in German.

Tara Johnson made her first bid for public office in 2000.

Tara Johnson sought a seat on the Board of Supervisors, challenging 12-year incumbent supervisor Lila Seager.

Tara Johnson didn't take issue with particular policies or votes of Seager, but offered her candidacy as a fresh perspective on the board.

Tara Johnson was re-elected nine times, serving until 2020.

In 2008, Tara Johnson ran for Wisconsin Senate, challenging Republican incumbent Dan Kapanke in the 32nd Senate district.

The 32nd Senate district was one of the mostly hotly contested legislative races in the state that year; Tara Johnson fell 2,507 votes short of Kapanke.

Tara Johnson's plans changed again two months later, after the legislature was forced to adopt a new redistricting act due to the Wisconsin Supreme Court striking down the previous decade-old Republican gerrymander.

Tara Johnson was joined by Viroqua businessman and political newcomer Steven Campbell, setting up a contested Democratic primary.

Tara Johnson took the last name Finn when she married Scott Finn in 1984.

Tara Johnson subsequently returned to her maiden name before marrying Timothy Padesky, a union electrician.