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Senators

John Braun
20th District | Centralia
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John Braun
Republican Leader
20th District | Centralia
Judy Warnick
13th District | Moses Lake
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Judy Warnick
Republican Caucus Chair
13th District | Moses Lake
Keith Wagoner
39th District | Sedro-Woolley
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Keith Wagoner
Republican Whip
39th District | Sedro-Woolley
Shelly Short
7th District | Addy
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Shelly Short
Republican Floor Leader
7th District | Addy
Jim McCune
2nd District | Graham
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Jim McCune
2nd District | Graham
Leonard Christian
4th District | Spokane Valley
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Leonard Christian
4th District | Spokane Valley
Chris Gildon
25th District | Puyallup
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Chris Gildon
OPERATING BUDGET LEADER
25th District | Puyallup
Mark Schoesler
9th District | Ritzville
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Mark Schoesler
Capital Budget Leader
9th District | Ritzville
Matt Boehnke
8th District | Kennewick
Sen. Matt Boehnke is serving his first term representing the 8th Legislative District in the State Senate after serving two terms in the Washington House of Representatives.
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Matt Boehnke
8th District | Kennewick
Drew MacEwen
35th District | Shelton
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Drew MacEwen
Deputy Leader
35th District | Shelton
Paul Harris
17th District | Vancouver
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Paul Harris
17th District | Vancouver
Jeff Holy
6th District | Spokane
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Jeff Holy
6th District | Spokane
Curtis King
14th District | Yakima
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Curtis King
Transportation Budget Leader
14th District | Yakima
Keith Goehner
12th District | Dryden
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Keith Goehner
12th District | Dryden
Ron Muzzall
10th District | Oak Harbor
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Ron Muzzall
Vice Caucus Chair
10th District | Oak Harbor
Jeff Wilson
19th District | Longview
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Jeff Wilson
19th District | Longview
Perry Dozier
16th District | Waitsburg
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Perry Dozier
16th District | Waitsburg
Phil Fortunato
31st District | Auburn
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Phil Fortunato
31st District | Auburn
Nikki Torres
15th District | Pasco
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Nikki Torres
Deputy Floor Leader
15th District | Pasco

ExitWA

For decades, Washington attracted more people and more income than it lost. But that trend has now reversed. For the second year in a row, more income has left the state than arrived. And for the third year in a row, IRS data shows Washington is losing more taxpayers to migration than it gains.

Are you moving from Washington? Tell us more.

The People’s Initiatives

Giving parents a voice and protecting fairness in girls’ sports

  • Initiative IL26-001 – Restoring Parental Rights in Schools—It recognizes parents as the primary stakeholders in their children’s upbringing
  • Initiative IL26-638 – Protecting Fairness in Girls’ Sports—This initiative aims to protect the integrity of girls’ interscholastic sports

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

3 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

4 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
Gas prices are skyrocketing. In Washington, we're extra special because Democrat policies like the "Climate Commitment Act" make it far worse for us. AAA reports today's national average for gas is $4.57 a gallon. In Washington -- more than $6 per gallon in some places. (Photo taken today in Graham.) ow.ly/X9zf50Z0mec ... See MoreSee Less

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

5 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
More true than ever. ... See MoreSee Less

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WashingtonSRC

Video updates from Washington State Senate Republican Caucus members.

WashingtonSRC
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers break down Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this "cap-and-tax" law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. 00:00 | Introduction: The Elephant in the Dome 00:15 | The Human Cost: A Retired Teacher’s Story 02:04 | What is the Climate Commitment Act (CCA)? 02:34 | Is Driving Up Prices the Actual Goal? 04:24 | The Calculation: How Carbon Permits Cost You 55¢ A Gallon 06:15 | The Economic "Tentacles": Impact on Farming & Food Costs 07:29 | Hidden Fees: CCA Costs on Household Utility Bills 08:09 | Trickle-Down Inflation: Why Schools & Colleges Need Tax Hikes 09:10 | Washington’s Economy: Second Highest Gas Prices in the Nation 09:54 | The Solution: Senator Gildon’s Letter & The Republican Budget Plan DROP A COMMENT: How much are you paying for gas in your area right now? Do you think the state should temporarily pause the Climate Commitment Act to give families some relief? Let us know below!
Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Is Washington losing its competitive edge? In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down the affordability crisis hitting our state. From Starbucks’ Nashville expansion and record-breaking tax increases to the stalled progress on the I-5 Columbia River bridge, we examine how current policies are driving families and businesses away. We also take a timeout to talk sports—including the Supersonics, Seahawks, and Mariners—and share an important update on why Senator Braun is stepping away from the mic for a while. • 0:00 Welcome to The Elephant in the Dome • 0:17 The Starbucks Signal: Why Nashville? • 3:47 The "Exit WA" Movement: Real Stories of Leaving • 6:53 How Democrat Policies are Driving Up Costs • 10:24 The I-5 Bridge: Infrastructure or Inaction? • 15:45 Off the Clock: Sonics, Seahawks, and Mariners • 22:15 A Personal Update: Senator Braun’s Transition • 26:05 The Importance of Staying Involved Do you think Democrat policies are making Washington a bad place to live and work? Leave your comment and please remember to subscribe.
Starbucks—Sonics—the I-5 Bridge—Washington is more expensive & it’s affecting everyone & everything
Washington is facing $500 million in annual tort claims, largely driven by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses the staggering financial costs and the heartbreaking human toll on vulnerable children in state care. Watch the full podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/yjsa6zvu
DCYF in Crisis: $500M in Lawsuits? The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Rising energy costs and overspending are pushing Washington families to the brink. Senator Drew MacEwen explains why a special session is urgent: to address the Climate Commitment Act's tax burden, stabilize the unemployment insurance fund, and fix a budget trajectory that risks a structural deficit.
Washington Families Can't Wait—Senator MacEwen calls for Special Session
Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses the urgent need for oversight at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). He explores massive legal payouts for negligence, the impact of the "Keeping Families Together Act," and how other states are handling similar agency failures through bipartisan investigation. 00:00 – The "Elephant in the Dome" Podcast Intro 00:22 – Massive Lawsuits and Tragic Outcomes at DCYF 01:56 – The Financial and Human Cost of State Liability 03:13 – Analyzing the "Keeping Families Together Act" 04:54 – Concerns Over Overpayments and Potential Fraud 06:18 – Lessons from New Mexico’s DCYF Investigation 08:11 – The Role of Legislative Oversight and Past Precedents 11:08 – The Impact of State Substance Abuse Policies 13:45 – Calls for Transparency and Executive Action 19:39 – Wrap-up and Subscription Info The 'Keeping Families Together Act' was intended to prioritize child stability, but Senator Braun argues it has led to keeping children in dangerous environments. Where should the state draw the line between family preservation and child safety?
Investigating DCYF—Oversight & Accountability for Washington’s Children—Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Washington gas prices are skyrocketing. Senator John Braun discusses how state policies like the Climate Commitment Act and high taxes are driving costs above neighboring states. These regressive costs hit lower-income families the hardest. Watch the full Elephant in the Dome podcast! - https://youtu.be/UsB6SBk3wxI
Why is Washington’s Gas So Expensive?
Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses Washington's soaring energy costs. From record-high gas prices and the Climate Commitment Act to the future of nuclear power and data centers, Braun explores how state policies impact your wallet and outlines Republican solutions for a more affordable future. 0:00 Podcast Intro: High Cost of Energy 0:42 Regional Fuel Price Comparisons 1:28 Policies Driving Washington's Energy Costs 2:11 The Climate Commitment Act and Cap-and-Trade 2:55 Anticipating the Low Carbon Fuel Standard 3:40 Evaluating Carbon Reduction Progress 4:54 Transportation Funding and Infrastructure Issues 6:03 Why Public Works Projects are Over Budget 7:32 How Diesel Costs Affect the Supply Chain 8:33 Proposed Legislative Relief Measures 9:22 Natural Gas Transitions and Home Utilities 11:15 Maintaining Electrical Grid Stability 13:10 Energy Physics vs. Renewable Goals 15:00 Regressive Impacts on Working Families 17:10 Long-Term Affordability and Reliability Goals 19:15 The Role of Hydroelectric and Baseload Power 20:45 Regulatory Hurdles and Permitting Reform 21:55 Outro and How to Subscribe What do you think is the biggest factor behind these high prices? Leave your comment below. #WaLeg #GasPrices #ElephantInTheDome
The High Cost of Gas and Energy: The Elephant in the Dome Podcast with Senator John Braun
State Sen. Phil Fortunato discusses Washington’s abortion laws, noting that while abortion remains legal in the state, the focus should shift to a women’s health approach that ensures full transparency about risks and long-term outcomes. He emphasizes that abortion is a medical procedure with potential complications and argues women should be provided clear, standardized information before making a decision. Fortunato also raises concerns about changes that expand who can perform the procedure beyond physicians, as well as the use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize abortion pills through the Department of Corrections. He argues that, regardless of where someone stands on the issue, women deserve complete information to make informed decisions about their health and future.
Abortion risks and taxpayer funding | "What I think..." with State Senator Phil Fortunato
Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, discusses gun control in Washington, expressing concern that legislative restrictions, including magazine limits and storage requirements, disadvantage law-abiding citizens. He maintains that under the state constitution, requirements such as training mandates may be considered an impairment of the right to self-defense.
Gun control and the right to bear arms | "What I think..." with State Senator Phil Fortunato
In an interview with Brandi Kruse on [un]Divided, Senate Republican Leader John Braun responds to a state audit revealing $37 million in questionable payments tied to the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families, calling for deeper investigation, transparency, and accountability for taxpayer dollars and responsible oversight going forward.
[un]Divided: Braun Calls for Accountability After $37M in Questionable Child Care Payments
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to a troubling audit revealing potential fraud and overpayments in state government. If billions are already being misspent, why is government asking taxpayers for even more? Watch the full Elephant in the Dome podcast… https://youtu.be/IKGrzvwEaH4?si=6KuJ-hwQ8z59N45V …for the deeper conversation on taxes, trust, and accountability.
Where Did the Money Go Taxpayers Demand Accountability
Washington now has a new income tax set to take effect in 2028. But questions remain about how the state manages the money it already collects. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, host Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to discuss a troubling state audit involving the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, rising government bureaucracy, and the growing cost of lawsuits against the state. They also discuss whether Bob Ferguson can bring accountability and efficiency to state government after years under Jay Inslee. Topics include: • Washington’s new income tax • Fraud and overpayments in state programs • Growth of government bureaucracy • Lawsuits costing taxpayers hundreds of millions • Problems at Green Hill School • Can government accountability improve? Subscribe for more discussions about policy, politics, and the decisions shaping Washington State. ________________________________________ 00:00 Intro – Income tax signed into law 00:19 When the tax takes effect and legal challenges 00:31 Why Washington keeps facing “budget crises” 01:03 State audit raises concerns about fraud 02:02 DCYF oversight problems and staffing priorities 03:52 Fraud vs. accountability in government 05:02 Why taxpayers are frustrated 06:02 Agency response: asking for more money 06:30 Growth of bureaucracy in state government 07:19 School administration vs. teachers 08:27 Problems at DCYF and failing systems 09:02 Lawsuits costing taxpayers hundreds of millions 10:21 The human cost behind government failures 11:19 Government growth despite budget shortfalls 11:49 Can Governor Ferguson improve things? 13:07 Leadership and accountability challenges 13:59 Green Hill School problems 15:22 Crime policy and juvenile justice debate 16:04 Is there indifference to fraud and crime? 17:20 Closing What do you think about the failures at DCYF? Leave your comment below.
WA Income Tax Signed — But Fraud, Lawsuits & Government Waste Still Growing — Elephant in the Dome
People aren’t just leaving Washington — they’re bolting. Sen. John Braun breaks down the IRS data and real stories of everyday families moving to cheaper states. Think it’s only rich folks? Think again. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Ea27tjJ_DzQ?si=7CDUY5OlNB4XoArA Share your own story: https://src.wastateleg.org/exitwa/
Why Washingtonians Are Heading Out
Washington is seeing more income and more taxpayers leaving than arriving. In this clip from “Elephant in the Dome,” Senate Republican Leader John Braun discuss what the latest IRS numbers may signal for Washington’s economy. FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Ea27tjJ_DzQ?si=glYdXxtxVFu12wil
Why Washington Is Losing Taxpayers
Washington is seeing more people and income leave the state than arrive — and IRS data confirms it. Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down why: rising taxes, cost‑of‑living spikes, business flight, and new policies that may be accelerating the trend. They also discuss Washington’s most expensive cost categories, how migration patterns are shifting, and why many families and businesses feel forced to look elsewhere. The episode also introduces ExitWA, a new platform where Washingtonians can share why they're leaving — or thinking about leaving — the state. Subscribe for weekly insight into Washington’s policy decisions, their impacts, and stories from the people who live them. ExitWA link: https://src.wastateleg.org/exitwa/ Washington State Senate Republican Caucus website → ExitWA page 0:00 – Introduction: Washington’s migration reversal 0:35 – IRS data: more taxpayers leaving than arriving 1:12 – Impact of new taxes and legislative trends 2:24 – Washington’s economic strengths and major employers 3:38 – Struggles of small and midsize businesses 4:02 – Are concerns about capital flight exaggerated? 5:07 – Economic contradictions and legislative decisions 6:00 – Rising costs: food, gas, childcare, and more 7:08 – Everyday families leaving the state 7:52 – Migration trends nationwide 8:13 – Introducing ExitWA 8:44 – Why California and Oregon movers may rethink Washington 9:18 – Retirees seeking lower taxes elsewhere 10:02 – Rational financial decisions and affordability 11:18 – Why Democrats see the data differently 11:47 – Risks to Washington’s social services and budget 13:15 – Could policy change course? 14:21 – What Braun tells people considering leaving 15:05 – A message of hope and engagement 15:57 – Closing: Share your story on ExitWA Are you thinking about leaving Washington, or have you already moved? What drove your decision? Tell us in the comments — we’d really like to hear your story.
Leaving Washington: Myth, Reality, and the IRS Data Behind It—The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Senator Curtis King (R-Yakima) had two of his bills signed by the governor, but he still thinks the session was not a good one. "I would say that it was a rough session, and there were a lot of bills that we didn't particularly care for, the millionaire's tax, which is an income tax, just kind of put a damper on everything in my opinion," King said. The governor also inked his name on a bill sponsored by retiring Senator Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake.) "When I was first elected, this was a cow pasture. I represented Terrace Heights, that building over there was brand new, and I got to come and meet my constituents there," Warnick said. "Proud to have represented the district as long as I have."
KIMA: Legislators reflect on recent session after Yakima bill signing
A heated exchange from The Elephant in the Dome dives into Washington’s income tax debate. Senate Republican Leader John Braun challenges Democratic proposals, questioning motives, past actions, and promises of tax reform. Is this about fairness—or more taxation? Get a sharp, unfiltered taste of the bigger conversation. FULL EPISODE OF THE ELEPHANT IN THE DOME: https://youtu.be/WclMtwxAsOU?si=2rgI3dQpaM5hHxMt
Income Tax Showdown: Trust or Tax Grab?
Washington’s 2026 legislative session ended with a historic income tax proposal, an $80 billion state budget, and major fights over agriculture, law enforcement, and business regulation. Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Elephant in the Dome to explain what passed, what Republicans stopped, and what it could mean for Washington’s economy. Topics include: • Washington income tax debate • The $80 billion state budget • Agriculture unionization proposal • Law enforcement hiring issues • Attorney General power expansion 0:00 Intro – Wrapping Up the 2026 Legislative Session 0:29 The Income Tax That Just Passed the Legislature 1:38 Why Democrats Say Washington Needs an Income Tax 3:18 The “Tax Code Fix” Debate 5:25 Biggest Republican Win: Stopping Ag Unionization 6:57 Why the Agriculture Bill Worried Lawmakers 8:48 Budget Concerns & The Rainy Day Fund 9:34 The Environmental Crimes Bill 11:03 Law Enforcement Hiring Problems 11:54 The “Anti-Sheriff” Bill Explained 13:01 Expanding the Attorney General’s Power 15:12 The Overall Theme of the 2026 Session 15:43 Outro What do you think about the income tax proposal in Washington? Should voters decide? Let us know in the comments.
A ‘Train Wreck’ for Washington? Inside the 2026 Legislative Session
Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon warn that Washington could be in a fiscal “doom loop” or “death spiral” as the income tax and other new taxes move forward. From potential payroll and wealth taxes to concerns about runaway spending, here’s a preview of what’s at stake. Watch the full conversation on The Elephant in the Dome: https://youtu.be/KPHZcEfDatA?si=YT_uWgzTu0Up9XVh
Are new taxes putting Washington in a doom loop or a death spiral?
Washington’s state budget has doubled in just 10 years — from about $40 billion to $80 billion. But have household incomes kept up? Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon break down the spending, taxes, and economic concerns shaping the debate in Olympia. Watch the full Elephant in the Dome podcast for the complete conversation.
Washington’s Budget Doubled. What Happened? | Elephant in the Dome
Sen. John Braun discusses Washington’s new income tax, predicted legal challenges, budget concerns, and policy outcomes. He highlights fiscal risks, opposition to expanded taxes, key bills stopped, cautious approaches to AI regulation, and priorities for housing, spending oversight, and restoring public trust in government.
TVW: The Impact: Sen. John Braun on the 2026 legislative session
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