Leadership Blog

In the News

The Cost of Crime: Unpacking Washington State’s Organized Retail Theft Crisis

Published on August 27, 2026
Hosted by Senator Chris Gildon, this episode of The Elephant in the Dome features Washington Retail Association guests Jan Himebaugh and Crystal Leatherman. Together, they explore Washington’s escalating organized retail crime crisis, examine its connection to broader illegal networks, and discuss actionable solutions to rebuild accountability. TRANSCRIPT
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Decoding 340B: The $81 Billion Drug Discount Program Explained | The Elephant in the Dome

Published on July 30, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon hosts Senator Ron Muzzall the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee. They break down the complex 340B Drug Pricing Program—a federal initiative designed to help safety-net health clinics and hospitals acquire discounted prescription medication for low-income patients. They discuss...
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AUDIO: Democrats’ spending draws warning from business leader: ‘It’s time to wake up’

Published on July 24, 2026
Washington business leaders are sounding the alarm on state spending — and it’s not just Republicans. Tracy Ellis explains. Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke — a lifelong Democrat — is urging lawmakers to ‘wake up’ as spending nears 80 billion dollars. State Senator Chris Gildon notes that Leiweke joins two former Democratic governors and other critics...
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Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Ferguson’s Gas Crisis, Shaky Budgets, America @ 250 w/Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on July 01, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon pulls back the curtain on the real issues facing Washington. From the controversial impacts of the Climate Commitment Act on gas prices and utility bills to a deep dive into Olympia’s looming budget shortfall, Sen. Gildon breaks down the numbers that the majority...
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The Crisis of Washington’s “Keeping Families Together Act” | Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Published on June 17, 2026
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon sits down with foster parent and healthcare professional Tracie Jefferson. They dive deep into the devastating, unintended consequences of Washington State’s “Keeping Families Together Act,” examining how its high removal thresholds and systemic issues impact vulnerable children. TRANSCRIPT
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News

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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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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