Leadership Blog

In the News

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Speech, Civility, and the Cost of Silence

Published on September 25, 2025
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Senator John Braun confronts political violence and defends free speech on college campuses. He also unpacks Washington’s soaring gas prices. A deep dive into civil discourse, climate policy, and government accountability.
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AUDIO: Latest revenue forecast is more proof Democrats should have worked with Republicans on budget

Published on September 23, 2025
Washington’s latest revenue forecast just came out—and it’s a wake-up call. Tracy Ellis explains.
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VIDEO: AWB 2025 Policy Summit: Washington Budget Outlook, featuring Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on September 18, 2025
Washington’s budget outlook is grim: spending surged, reserves dwindled, and tax hikes hit families and businesses. Republicans urge fiscal restraint, program audits, and no new taxes.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians

Published on September 11, 2025
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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AUDIO: Schoesler opposes possible release of Kevin Coe, Spokane’s ‘South Hill Rapist’

Published on September 05, 2025
A state senator is outraged that Washington might let the ‘South Hill Rapist’ walk free. Tracy Ellis reports.
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News Categories

News from the Caucus

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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July 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Braun’s Big Beautiful Bill Breakdown

Senator John Braun responds to Governor Ferguson’s harsh criticism of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill.” While the governor warns of devastating impacts to health care, food assistance, clean energy, and rural hospitals, Braun argues that the bill introduces thoughtful reforms that improve accountability, affordability, and support for vulnerable groups. He emphasizes that most changes target...
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May 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Gov. Ferguson’s First Big Test: What He Signed, Vetoed, and Didn’t

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Governor Bob Ferguson’s bill signings, a surprising veto, and the policies he let stand. From tax hikes to housing studies, police funding to rent control, we break down what made the cut—and what didn’t—in his first legislative session as governor.
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May 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Post-Session Recap: Taxes, Transparency & Tension in Olympia

With the legislative session officially over, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the whirlwind of budget debates, tax hikes, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. From killing harmful proposals to pushing back on rent control, Medicaid cuts, and unemployment benefits for striking workers—and will the new governor whittle down a budget many say is bloated?
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April 25, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Session Closes: Taxes, Public Safety, and Education Updates

As the Legislative Session ends, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks key issues: tax debates, rent control, unemployment benefits for striking workers, public safety strides, and challenges in education policy.
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April 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat Taxes, Taxes, and more Taxes and Rent Control

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, on “The Elephant in the Dome,” criticized Democrats’ $18 billion tax proposals, including property and sales tax hikes. He warned of economic risks, business exodus, and fiscal mismanagement. Braun also discussed rent control and transparency concerns in budgeting.
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April 10, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Property Taxes & Rent Control—The Unintended Consequences

Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses concerns over proposed property tax increases and rent control, featuring voices from homeowners, renters, and landlords. He examines economic impacts, the housing crisis, and the broader effects on businesses and essential services.  
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April 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—State Leadership in Focus—Treasurer, Governor, & Attorney General

Senator John Braun shares his thoughts on some of Washington’s statewide leaders in this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome.” From the Treasurer’s warnings about the rainy day fund to the Governor’s cautious stance on taxation and spending, the discussion highlights key policy debates. Plus, criticism of the Attorney General’s litigious approach and its...
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The True Cost of Washington’s Tax Hikes

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Olympia’s latest tax proposals, from property tax hikes to new fees on outdoor recreation. With over $20 billion in increases at stake, learn how these changes could hit homeowners, renters, and businesses—and what they mean for Washington’s housing crisis.
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