About
Tara Poulton
A Local Champion to Tackle Affordability, Protect Taxpayers, and Defend Manatee’s Quality of Life
Tara Poulton, a lifelong Republican and seasoned public servant, is running for Manatee County Commission, District 6 (At-Large), with a pledge to confront the affordability crisis head-on and protect Manatee County through fiscal discipline and responsible growth.
Poulton’s focus will be holding the line on government spending and ensuring county decisions do not add to the financial pressure families are already facing.
Poulton currently serves as District Chief of Staff for Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), overseeing district operations across Manatee County and southern Hillsborough County. She has worked directly with local leaders, businesses, and families to navigate complex federal issues and deliver results, including helping recover more than $13 million in federal benefits owed to constituents in 2025 alone.
She also helped secure nearly $3 million in federal appropriations for projects such as Valor Commons, a new veterans park, bringing federal dollars home so local taxpayers are not left carrying the full burden.
Poulton also outlined her positions on key issues shaping the county’s future. She does not support moving forward with the proposed Manatee County Cruise Terminal due to concerns about its potential impact on the area’s fragile ecosystem. She supports Sen. Jim Boyd’s and Rep. Will Robinson’s efforts to protect our pristine coastline, strengthen environmental safeguards, and preserve local waters and fisheries.
Before her role in Congress, Poulton served as Vice President of Public Policy and Workforce Partnerships for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, championing smart growth and pro-business initiatives that strengthened the local economy. She previously worked for DeSoto County Government, where she learned how to operate on a tight budget, prioritizing essential services while respecting every taxpayer dollar.
Poulton lives in Lakewood Ranch with her husband, Bill, their daughter, Mary Anne, and three stepchildren. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of South Florida. In 2024, she was nominated for the “Community Champion” Award from the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.