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In the News

AUDIO: Sen. Gildon Pushes Back on Income Tax Plan on The Jason Rantz Show

Published on December 23, 2025
On The Jason Rantz Show, Sen. Chris Gildon tells Tim Gaydos (filling in for Jason Rantz) that he’s disappointed in Gov. Ferguson’s push for a future income tax and warns it won’t fix looming budget shortfalls. He argues Democrats’ policies fuel affordability problems and says Republicans want a budget that truly lives within its means.
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AUDIO: Republican budget leader concerned about future income tax, cautious about governor’s budget proposal

Published on December 23, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson says he isn’t proposing new taxes to balance his supplemental budget — but he is backing a future income tax to deal with shortfalls down the road. Tracy Ellis has more.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Washington’s Power Crunch: John Braun on the Future of the Grid

Published on December 19, 2025
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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VIDEO: Washington senators propose bill aiming to make state release of serial rapists more difficult

Published on December 11, 2025
Two months after the release of the late Kevin Coe, Senator Mark Schoesler is proposing a bill that would make it harder to release those convicted of rape.
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AUDIO: Wilson bill would permit voluntary contributions for sea lion control

Published on December 11, 2025
Sea lions are taking a big bite out of Washington’s salmon runs — and Senator Jeff Wilson says boaters can help. Tracy Ellis explains.
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News Categories

News from the Caucus

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...
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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
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January 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: New Democrat taxes, hiring more law enforcement, repealing sanctuary state status

State Senate Democrats accidentally leak new tax plans. A bill seeks 100 million dollars to help hire more law-enforcement officers. A Senator wants to help illegal immigrants by repealing Washington’s sanctuary state status. Guests include: Sen. Chris Gildon, Sen. Jeff Holy, Sen. Phil Fortunato
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December 11, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Majority Coalition Caucus versus single-party rule

As Democrats prepare for unilateral, supermajority control in Olympia, Republicans recall a more bipartisan era – 12 years ago, when the Majority Coalition Caucus, an historic alliance that ushered in a wave of critical reforms, came into existence.
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April 11, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Inslee signs Democrat bill to transition largest utility away from natural gas – Gildon breaks down implications

Governor Inslee signed a Democrat bill that he says creates the roadmap and tools for Puget Sound Energy to get out of the natural gas business. What does that mean? Senator Chris Gildon provides a comprehensive explanation of this controversial new law.
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