Tarra Simmons holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a law degree, graduating with honors. They spent several years in high-finance before transitioning to the public sector. Simmons has been a founding director of a nonprofit focused on assisting the formerly incarcerated and has held a position on a statewide council. They have served multiple terms in the state legislature, where they have sponsored legislation aimed at police accountability, immigrant protections, and behavioral health reforms. Simmons has also advocated for expanding access to healthcare and mental health services.

Tarra Simmons's political identity is shaped by a blend of personal experience and progressive advocacy, marked by unexpected policy positions that provoke curiosity. Her background as a formerly incarcerated individual informs her strong support for criminal justice reform and reentry services, yet she simultaneously advocates for cutting funding to groups contesting unconstitutional drug convictions. Simmons's legislative record reveals a calculated approach to balancing regional industrial interests with environmental regulations, showcasing an ideologically agile stance. Her commitment to expanding healthcare access and voting rights contrasts with her controversial stance on defunding certain advocacy groups, creating a compelling tension in her policy framework.