Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Short Opposes Sheriff Oversight Bill

Published on February 13, 2026
Senator Shelly Short strongly criticized a bill allowing an unelected commission to determine if elected sheriffs are qualified. She argued this undermines constitutional principles and local representation, warning against bureaucratic overreach that could erode community trust and voter rights in law enforcement leadership.
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Wilson Warns of Local Control Loss

Published on February 13, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson condemned Senate Bill 5974, which shifts authority over sheriffs from voters to an unelected board. He highlighted Pacific County as the first likely impacted, calling the measure an “ugly bill” that disregards the will of voters and threatens democratic accountability in policing.
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Braun Criticizes Sheriff Decertification Plan

Published on February 13, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun opposes legislation enabling a governor-appointed commission to remove elected sheriffs. He emphasizes existing recall and election processes already safeguard accountability, arguing the proposal oversteps constitutional protections and undermines voters’ rights to choose their law enforcement leaders every four years.
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AUDIO: KPQ: Senator Keith Goehner on Key Issues

Published on February 12, 2026
On KPQ, Senator Keith Goehner says an income tax proposal has no guarantee that funds will go to education. He’s concerned over a bill that would let an unelected board remove elected sheriffs. He says expanded powers for the Attorney General raises questions about overreach and impacts on small businesses. He continues to work to...
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Sen. Mark Schoesler: “Never” on State Income Tax

Published on February 12, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler speaks out from Olympia as the proposed state income tax moves forward. He reaffirms his long-standing promise to oppose an income tax, explaining why he believes it misleads the public and fails to guarantee funding for health care, K-12 education, or higher education.
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News from the Caucus

February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Republicans issue reality check on income-tax proposal

An income tax on anyone will become an income tax on everyone   OLYMPIA…Majority Democrats in Olympia today dropped a bill to impose an income tax in Washington state, ignoring that the people of Washington have rejected similar unconstitutional income taxes 10 times. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, and House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary,...
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January 15, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome: State of the State: Taxes, Crime & Transportation—Sen. Braun Responds

On The Elephant in the Dome podcast, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the governor’s State of the State address, income tax proposals, public safety challenges, transportation funding issues, the importance of transparency, and why debates should focus on ideas—not individuals. TRANSCRIPT
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December 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Washington’s Power Crunch: John Braun on the Future of the Grid

Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins The Elephant in the Dome to break down Washington’s looming power shortage, the TransAlta coal‑to‑gas transition, the role of hydro and nuclear, and what it will take to keep energy reliable and affordable. TRANSCRIPT
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December 04, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome podcast: Jobs Tax. Income Tax. Innovation Tax. Sen. John Braun Says: Enough to Democrat Tax Hikes!

Democrats are pushing a slew of new taxes — from jobs to income to innovation — that threaten Washington’s economy and working families. Sen. John Braun calls out their tax agenda, warning it will punish small businesses, stifle growth, and demand urgent conservative solutions. TRANSCRIPT
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November 13, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Bill Gates Rethinks Climate, Washington Rethinks Dinner: Sen. Braun on Climate Costs and Dining Dilemmas

Sen. John Braun discusses Bill Gates’ climate pivot, the real-world impact of the Climate Commitment Act, and why Washington tops the charts for dining costs. Listen to this timely conversation about affordability, policy, and political accountability. TRANSCRIPT
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October 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?

Sen. John Braun unpacks the affordability crisis in Washington—from groceries to housing to Medicaid. He explores priorities, long-term costs, and what lawmakers must do to keep essential services sustainable. TRANSCRIPT
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October 16, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Housing Gridlock: What’s Driving Washington’s Crisis?

Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon join builder Kurt Wilson to unpack why housing is unaffordable and scarce in Washington—from rent control to red tape—and what Republicans say must change to get homes built and prices down. TRANSCRIPT Please share with your network. The more voices in the conversation, the closer we get to real...
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October 09, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Taxed to the Brink—Washington’s Budget Spiral

Sen. John Braun warns of a $1B deficit, rising lawsuit payouts, and new taxes. He blames overspending and mismanagement, urging a shift from tax-first policies to smarter budgeting and economic growth. [TRANSCRIPT]
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September 11, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Washington’s labor policies—from public union influence to wage mandates—arguing for worker-first reforms rooted in conservative principles without the progressive spin. [TRANSCRIPT]  
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August 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington

Senator John Braun discusses fairness in girls’ sports, Kroger store closures tied to regulations and theft, and the need for responsible forest management to protect public lands and rural economies in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
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August 12, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: It’s the Economy: Housing, Tech, & Taxes in Turbulent Times

Senator John Braun unpacks Washington’s economic challenges—from housing shortages and tech industry tensions to energy concerns and historic tax hikes. What’s driving the downturn, and what can be done? ‘It’s the economy stupid’ in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome Podcast. [TRANSCRIPT]
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July 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Accountability & Reform: Medicaid, Car Thefts, and Juvenile Justice

Senator John Braun breaks down evolving questions around Medicaid changes, celebrates steep drops in auto thefts, and confronts serious concerns at Green Hill’s juvenile facility in this candid episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
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