Mack graduated from Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley in 2002, then went on to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science/Global Studies.[2][3] During college, she served as an intern for then-Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Steve Sviggum, and was also a page for the House Ways and Means Committee.[4]
Minnesota House of Representatives
Mack was first elected in 2008,[5] defeating first-term Democrat Shelly Madore. She was re-elected in 2010,[6] 2012,[7] and 2014.[8] During her first two terms, the Apple Valley-based seat was numbered Minnesota House District 37A. After redistricting in 2012, the seat was known as Minnesota House District 57A.
Minnesota House of Representatives,
District 37A General Election, 2008
Party
Candidate
Vote %
Votes
Republican
Tara Mack
52.2%
11,666
Democrat
Shelly Madore
47.6%
10,633
Write-In
36
Total Votes
22,335
Minnesota House of Representatives,
District 37A General Election, 2010
Party
Candidate
Vote %
Votes
Republican
Tara Mack (inc.)
60.5%
9,675
Democrat
Derrick Lindstrom
39.4%
6,301
Write-In
.1%
14
Total Votes
15,990
Minnesota House of Representatives,
District 57A General Election, 2012
Party
Candidate
Vote %
Votes
Republican
Tara Mack (inc.)
53.5%
11,420
Democrat
Roberta Gibbons
46.5%
9,941
Write-In
.17%
36
Total Votes
21,397
Minnesota House of Representatives,
District 57A General Election, 2014
Party
Candidate
Vote %
Votes
Republican
Tara Mack (inc.)
58.4%
8,347
Democrat
Bruce Folken
41.5%
5,931
Write-In
.04
6
Total Votes
14,290
From 2015 to 2016, Mack served as chair of the House Health & Human Services Reform Committee.[4] As chair, she opposed the MNsure health insurance website.[9][10] Mack was a supporter of maintaining the Minnesota Sex Offender Program and opposed unconditional release of violent predatory offenders.[11][12]
On August 25, 2015, a park ranger cited Mack for "public nuisance" for allegedly "making out" with fellow Minnesota State Representative Tim Kelly in Lebanon Hills Regional Park.[13][14][15] Mack and Kelly initially claimed the report was "completely false," and Mack continues to dispute certain "details of the park ranger's report."[16][17] On September 14, 2015, Mack apologized to law enforcement for her handling of the situation and resigned from the House Ethics Committee.[18][19][20]
In February 2016, Mack announced her retirement from the Minnesota House of Representatives.[21]
Personal life
Mack is a member of the Burnsville YMCA Board, a former member of the Apple Valley Rotary, and both the Apple Valley and Burnsville chambers of commerce.[22][23] She was named a 2014 Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow.[24] Her husband, Justin Mack, is a pastor and they have two children.[25]