Leadership Blog

In the News

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

Published on November 13, 2025
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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Washington State Legislative Letter of Support, Rural Health Transformation

Published on November 03, 2025
The Honorable Dr. Mehmet Oz CMS Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 200 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20201 Dear Administrator Oz, We submit this letter in strong support of Washington State’s application for funding under the CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative [CMS-RHT-26-001] and urge your approval of the maximum amount of allowable...
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What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?

Published on October 30, 2025
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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AUDIO: Sen. Braun on Race-Based Housing Scandal on KVI Radio

Published on October 28, 2025
Sen. John Braun joins KVI’s Morning Ride to discuss an investigation into alleged misuse of taxpayer funds tied to a race-restricted homeownership program.
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AUDIO: Braun: Corruption in race-based homeownership program exploits taxpayers, undermines public trust

Published on October 27, 2025
The state Senate Republican leader is demanding a full investigation into taxpayer money tied to a race-restricted housing program. Tracy Ellis reports.
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News from the Caucus

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
Read More
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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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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