Full Breakdown
Ethics Complaint Filed Against Washington State Rep. Tarra Simmons
1/23/2026, 7:48:28 AM
Allegations of Misuse of Campaign Funds
A local group of Democrats in Kitsap County has filed an ethics complaint against Washington state Representative Tarra Simmons, alleging misuse of $30,000 in campaign funds. The complaint, submitted on January 12 to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), was initiated by Val Torrens, chair of the 23rd Legislative District Democrats. This complaint is one of three currently pending against Simmons, with two specifically questioning her use of surplus campaign funds.
The complaint highlights a donation Simmons made to an out-of-state nonprofit, Better Minds Better Communities, which has ties to her personal network. The organization, registered to Jovan Jackson, a Democratic assemblymember in Nevada, has not filed annual tax reports with the IRS since 2021 and lacks an active website or donation platform. The complaint raises concerns about the legitimacy of the nonprofit and the appropriateness of Simmons' financial contributions.
Context of the Allegations
The ethics complaint suggests that the timing of Simmons' donations raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given her previous employment with legal aid organizations that faced funding cuts she supported. The address listed for Better Minds Better Communities corresponds to Jackson’s family trust fund, which has been linked to another organization, True Family Services, that was found to have engaged in fraudulent billing practices by the Nevada Office of Attorney General in 2024.
Simmons has publicly stated that she was unaware of any affiliations between Better Minds Better Communities and Jackson's businesses, asserting that she followed all legal protocols in her campaign finance activities. She characterized the complaints as politically motivated, suggesting they stem from a "narrow political interest."
Official Statements & Responses
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins expressed her commitment to following the process established by the Legislative Ethics Board regarding the complaints against Simmons. Jinkins stated, “This complaint is before them now, and I look forward to hearing the results of their review.” Simmons has also indicated her confidence in the legality of her campaign expenditures, asserting that all expenses are available for public review.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Simmons, including the local Democratic group that filed the complaint, argue that campaign funds should be used strictly for election-related expenses. Torrens emphasized that donors expect their contributions to be utilized for campaign purposes, not for substantial donations to organizations with unclear missions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Simmons has faced scrutiny for her financial decisions, she has previously dealt with ethics complaints, including one in 2023 that resulted in a finding of violation of the state’s Ethics Act for accepting a speaking fee. However, another complaint regarding a conflict of interest was dismissed by the ethics board. The ongoing investigations into her actions will determine the validity of the current allegations.
What's Next
The PDC is expected to assess the merits of the complaint within the next 90 days to decide if a full investigation is warranted. The outcomes of these inquiries could have significant implications for Simmons' political career and her ongoing advocacy for criminal justice reform.
