Introduction
Welcome to Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus. In this episode, Tracy Ellis is joined by Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Caucus Chair Judy Warnick to discuss two citizen-driven initiatives shaping Washington’s legislative agenda.
Part 1: Protecting Girls’ Sports (IL26-638)
Tracy Ellis: Senator Warnick, you’ve been a champion on this issue, recently sponsoring Senate Resolution 8671 to honor the legacy of women’s sports and emphasize biological fairness. Why was it important to recognize the 1,000% increase in female participation since Title IX, and how does IL26-638 provide the legislative teeth to protect those gains?
Senator Judy Warnick: This initiative came from the people. Everywhere I go, protecting girls’ sports is a priority. School boards want clarity on whether biological boys can participate in girls’ sports. I was involved in sports when Title IX came along, and the opportunities for girls have grown tremendously since then. I have three daughters—two were heavily involved in sports. One was a state champion in track. That likely wouldn’t have happened if biological males were allowed to compete. I support clarifying that there are two categories and would even consider creating a separate category for transgender athletes. Over 400,000 people signed this initiative. It’s clear the public wants this addressed, even if the legislature hasn’t acted yet.
Tracy Ellis: Senator Braun, critics argue the number of transgender athletes is small. Why does this matter?
Senator John Braun: It matters to every girl competing against a biological male. This isn’t about numbers—it’s about fairness and safety. My wife and I have three daughters, and we worried about these issues. There are undeniable biological differences. This isn’t about beliefs; it’s about science. People are frustrated. Over 400,000 signatures show Washingtonians want a voice. If the legislature won’t act, this will go to the voters—and I believe they’ll support fairness in girls’ sports.
Tracy Ellis: Senator Warnick, you’ve said protecting fairness also protects transgender athletes. How so?
Senator Judy Warnick: I’ve talked to parents who are angry about boys in girls’ locker rooms or on teams. I’ve heard of girls getting concussions. My concern is that anger could lead to violence against transgender athletes. I don’t advocate that, but I want to prevent it. Creating a separate category could help protect everyone.
Tracy Ellis: The initiative cites a ‘safety gap,’ including World Rugby’s ban and research showing a 162% disparity in striking power between males and females. Are we seeing safety risks here in Washington?
Senator Judy Warnick: Yes, especially in sports like basketball and volleyball. A transgender athlete can spike a volleyball much harder than a female athlete. I know of a severe concussion case—not in Washington—but it’s a real concern.
Part 2: Restoring Parental Rights (IL26-001)
Tracy Ellis: In 2024, the Parents’ Bill of Rights passed the Senate unanimously—49-0. But in 2025, HB 1296 gutted those protections. IL26-001 aims to restore the original standards. Senator Braun, was this a broken promise or a strategy to prioritize special interests?
Senator John Braun: When the Parents’ Bill of Rights came up in 2024, Democrats faced six initiatives at once. They knew these were popular, so they passed this one to avoid a ballot fight. But by passing it legislatively, they could easily change it later—which they did. They removed key provisions, like notifying parents when their child receives medical care at school. That’s a bad idea. Parents should never be disconnected from their children. This initiative restores those protections, and I believe voters will support it.
Tracy Ellis: Senator Warnick, one major change was allowing a 48-hour delay in notifying parents about criminal acts involving their child. Why is immediate notification so critical?
Senator Judy Warnick: It’s vital for safety. If a child is targeted by gang violence or involved in an incident, parents need to know immediately. Delays put students at risk. Parents are pulling kids out of public schools over these issues, which impacts funding and student mental health.
Tracy Ellis: Senator Braun, opponents say these initiatives ‘out’ vulnerable youth. How do you balance privacy with parental rights?
Senator John Braun: Separating kids from parents during a crisis is the worst thing you can do. Families have always faced tough issues, and they work through them. Unless there’s abuse—which the law already addresses—parents should be involved. Keeping families together is better for everyone.
Tracy Ellis: There’s concern schools are living a ‘double life,’ using one set of names and pronouns in class and another with parents. How does this initiative help teachers?
Senator John Braun: It requires transparency. Hiding problems never solves them. Teachers shouldn’t be forced into secrecy. Parents love their kids, and they’ll work through challenges.
Senator Judy Warnick: Keeping parents out of their child’s life is wrong. It could lead to more kids in foster care, which is already broken.
Tracy Ellis: Senators, the majority party refuses to hold hearings on these initiatives. What’s the harm in a hearing?
Senator John Braun: There is no harm—only good. Over 400,000 people signed these initiatives. The state constitution says initiatives take precedence over all matters except the budget. Hearings show respect for voters and maintain trust.
Closing Remarks
Tracy Ellis: Thank you, Senators. This has been Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus.