Candidate for
United States Representative; District 16

Johnny was born on July 30, 1975, in Fresno, California. He was raised in Burrel, a small town south of Fresno, and is a fourth generation dairy farmer.

When his great-grandparents emigrated from the Azores, they started Mendes Dairy in 1955. When Johnny's grandfather, Joe Mendes, passed away, his dairy incorporated and Morning Star Dairy Inc. was established.

Growing up on the dairy taught Johnny hard work,commitment, and risk management. He experienced first-hand that bureaucracy and ineffective government policies are what have limited job growth on dairies, farms, construction, manufacturing, and industrial supply. The regulatory failures are due to a "no common-sense" mentality and the fact that elected officials are disconnected from the constituents and communities they represent.

Johnny attended school at Riverdale Christian Academy. While in high school, he volunteered his time walking precincts for several candidates and worked on their campaigns. He was also a member of the Young Republicans. Graduating in 1994, Johnny learned strong Christian values and considers the United States of America to be the greatest nation.

Johnny married his high school sweetheart, Lisa Marie, in 1995. They now have four beautiful children and are raising them to love God, family, and country. Johnny has enjoyed volunteering his time with a group of men from his church known as the Minute Men. They have built churches, schools, and orphanages in the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala.

Johnny once served as an alternate on the Republican Central Committee Board. He is currently a member of the Oak Grove Veterans Memorial Board and California Dairy Campaign, and is also Director of Morning Star Dairy and Owner of JT Customs. For several years, Johnny traveled to Washington, D.C.to meet in person with members of Congress and has become frustrated that most legislators fail to represent their constituents and are instead loyal to special interests.

With your support, we can make the 16th District a job- friendly and thriving environment. Elect Johnny Tacherra, a small businessman, not a career politician.