Tarra Simmons

Tarra Simmons, born 1977, is an American politician, lawyer, and civil rights activist. In 2020, she made history as the first formerly incarcerated person elected to the Washington State Legislature, representing District 23-Position 1. Her public service is informed by personal experiences with violence, poverty, and substance use disorder. After graduating magna cum laude from Seattle University School of Law, she successfully challenged a denial to take the bar exam due to her criminal history. Simmons assumed office in January 2021 and is seeking re-election in 2026. As Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore and Vice Chair of the Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee, she champions criminal justice reform, police accountability, immigrant protections, and tax relief, sponsoring legislation on law enforcement practices and voter rights.