Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

Published on April 30, 2026
Thirteen years ago, $3.5 billion would have paid for a whole new Columbia River bridge—today, it only covers the light rail. Tracy Ellis has this update.
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Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

Published on April 30, 2026
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...
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AUDIO: KTTH’s Jason Rantz Show: MacEwen Calls for Special Session Over State Energy Crisis

Published on April 30, 2026
State Senator Drew MacEwen joins Jason Rantz to discuss the urgent need for a special session to address rising utility and gas costs. MacEwen argues that current state policies are failing families and calls for immediate legislative action to provide relief and reassess Washington’s long-term fiscal health.
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AUDIO: Schoesler asks if Ferguson is following “spirit of law” with PDC appointments

Published on April 29, 2026
Is the state’s campaign-finance watchdog losing its balance? Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO/VIDEO: MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Published on April 24, 2026
Washington’s energy rates were once among the lowest in the nation, but a state senator says Democrat policies are turning them into a ‘financial catastrophe.’ Tracy Ellis reports. FOR MORE FROM SENATOR MACEWEN ON THIS TOPIC, CHECK OUT HIS YouTube SHORT:  
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News

May 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Status report on the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River

Those who live in Southwest Washington know all too well that the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Columbia River at Vancouver needs to be replaced. In truth, it has needed replacement for years. When lawmakers debated a new bridge 13 years ago, the estimated cost was $3.5 billion. Today, that estimate has ballooned to $14.4...
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April 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

Thirteen years ago, $3.5 billion would have paid for a whole new Columbia River bridge—today, it only covers the light rail. Tracy Ellis has this update.
Read More
April 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

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...
Read More
April 30, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Staying connected, AI oversight, and strengthening our energy future

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we move further into the year, you will not receive additional updates from my legislative office. Election-year restrictions limit certain communications and require a clear line between official legislative work and campaign activity. This will be the last formal update until after the November election. That doesn’t change who I...
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April 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KTTH’s Jason Rantz Show: MacEwen Calls for Special Session Over State Energy Crisis

State Senator Drew MacEwen joins Jason Rantz to discuss the urgent need for a special session to address rising utility and gas costs. MacEwen argues that current state policies are failing families and calls for immediate legislative action to provide relief and reassess Washington’s long-term fiscal health.
Read More
April 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Schoesler asks if Ferguson is following “spirit of law” with PDC appointments

Is the state’s campaign-finance watchdog losing its balance? Tracy Ellis reports.
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April 25, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Town hall recap, newsletter, and transportation update for the 8th District

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Thank you to everyone who came out to our recent 8th District town hall. I appreciate you taking the time to be there, ask questions, and stay engaged. We covered a lot — some of it easy, some of it not. I appreciated hearing directly from you about the pressures you’re...
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April 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO/VIDEO: MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Washington’s energy rates were once among the lowest in the nation, but a state senator says Democrat policies are turning them into a ‘financial catastrophe.’ Tracy Ellis reports. FOR MORE FROM SENATOR MACEWEN ON THIS TOPIC, CHECK OUT HIS YouTube SHORT:  
Read More
April 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Today State Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, issued a formal demand for an immediate special session of the Washington State Legislature to address the compounding effects of skyrocketing fuel prices, hidden utility taxes, and looming double-digit electricity rate hikes. MacEwen is calling on Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Legislature’s Democratic majority to stop ignoring the financial...
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April 24, 2026
Drew MacEwen

MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Today State Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, issued a formal demand for an immediate special session of the Washington State Legislature to address the compounding effects of skyrocketing fuel prices, hidden utility taxes, and looming double-digit electricity rate hikes. MacEwen is calling on Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Legislature’s Democratic majority to stop ignoring the financial...
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April 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Investigating DCYF: Oversight and Accountability for Washington’s Children on The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

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. TRANSCRIPT
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April 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The High Cost of Gas and Energy: The Elephant in the Dome Podcast with Senator John Braun

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. TRANSCRIPT
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