Olympia – Wednesday, Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, was elected by members of the House Democratic Caucus in the Washington State Legislature to serve as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore. The Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore fulfills the duties of the Speaker when the Speaker and the Speaker Pro Tempore are absent or incapacitated. Those duties are related to presiding.
“To go from being incarcerated to serving as a presiding officer in our state legislature is the culmination of support from people across political ideologies, faith beliefs, and intersectional identities,” Simmons said. “My goal is to pay that support forward through respect and fairness for all of my colleagues and the institution I am humbled to serve in. I hope to do my part to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.”
Simmons represents the 23rd legislative district. This will be her fifth legislative session and her first in a caucus leadership role. Simmons will also serve as Vice Chair of the House Community Safety Committee, and she is a member of the House Healthcare & Wellness, Rules and Technology & Economic Development, & Veterans committees.
The 2025 legislative session begins Monday, January 13, 2025.