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
Read More

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...
Read More

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
Read More

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.
Read More

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.
Read More

News from the Caucus

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.
Read More
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.  
Read More
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...
Read More
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.
Read More
March 22, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Tax Debate in Olympia—Cost of Living, Innovation & Economic Growth

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about the impact of proposed tax increases in Washington. He discusses the Republican budget alternative, concerns over new payroll and wealth taxes, and how these policies could affect affordability, job growth, and economic stability in the state.
Read More
March 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome: Senators Braun and Gildon Discuss the $ave Washington Budget

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, join Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon as they explore the innovative $ave Washington Budget. Discover their “third way” approach to addressing the state’s budget challenges—avoiding heavy taxes or harmful cuts—while focusing on priorities like education,...
Read More
March 07, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Anti-Semitism on Campus, Public Safety, and Washington’s Budget Crisis

On this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun is joined by KVI radio host Ari Hoffman for a no-holds-barred conversation about rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, the state of public safety in Washington, and the looming budget crisis. They discuss the University of Washington’s handling of campus activism, the challenges of...
Read More
March 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Budget Battles & Big Decisions – Senators Braun & Gildon Weigh In

Republican Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon break down Washington’s budget debate, tackling spending concerns, new taxes, and the state’s $6.7B shortfall. Can lawmakers solve it without raising costs for families? Get the inside scoop on fiscal responsibility in Olympia!
Read More
February 22, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington Senate Republicans Push for Housing Solutions

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Keith Goehner discuss Washington’s housing crisis and the Senate Republican plan to address affordability. They break down the impact of restrictive regulations, the risks of rent control, and why empowering private sector development is key to increasing supply. Tune...
Read More
February 14, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The Truth About The Road Usage Tax and New Tax Hikes

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza to break down the controversial Road Usage Charge proposal. Is this new mileage tax just another burden on hardworking Washingtonians? How will it impact rural communities, low-income drivers, and transportation funding? We also dive...
Read More
January 18, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Governor’s Inaugural Address, Budget Insights, and Legislative Updates

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome,” the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza are joined by Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They discuss Governor Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address and some key issues facing legislators. They also touch on the potential for new taxes...
Read More
January 10, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senate Republican Priorities, Budget Challenges and Transportation Funding

Washington State Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington legislative session preview Senate Republican Leader John Braun on Senate Republicans’ priorities Senator Chris Gildon on the need to identify the actual budget problem Senator Curtis King making more money from transportation taxes and fees available to transportation projects
Read More
1
2
3