MEET TARA
For Tara Johnson, public service has always been about getting things done for people.
Before being elected to the State Assembly, Tara spent decades working with families, local leaders, nonprofits, and community organizations across western Wisconsin. She spent 15 years with the United Way, including as Executive Director of the United Way of La Crosse. Tara was also a proud AFSCME member, served on her union’s contract negotiating team, and remains active in organizations like Rotary and Common Good Philanthropies.
Tara was first elected to the La Crosse County Board in 2000 and became its first woman Chair in 2011. Her approach has always been simple: listen to people, bring the right folks to the table, and find practical solutions. Her impressive record includes:
In 2024, voters elected Tara to represent Wisconsin’s beautiful 96th Assembly District. In Madison, she has brought the same practical, people-focused approach that has guided her throughout her career.
Learn more about Tara’s work as your State Representative on her official legislative website.
Tara and her husband, Tim Padesky, live in the Town of Shelby in southern La Crosse County. Tim owned a union electrical contracting business for 41 years and has been an IBEW member for 53 years. They are the proud parents of adult children Nicholas and Layna.
Western Wisconsin is home to Tara, and serving the people who live here has been at the center of her work for decades. She is running for reelection because there is still more to do to make life a little easier for families across the 96th District and to make sure their voices are heard in Madison.
+ Keeping La Crosse County finances strong while maintaining an Aa1 bond rating.
+ Improving emergency services throughout La Crosse County.
+ Expanding mental health and substance use services.
+ Investing in conservation projects to protect western Wisconsin’s land and water.