Leadership Blog

In the News

Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome podcast

Published on May 20, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers break down Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this “cap-and-tax” law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. TRANSCRIPT
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AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

Published on April 30, 2026
Thirteen years ago, $3.5 billion would have paid for a whole new Columbia River bridge—today, it only covers the light rail. Tracy Ellis has this update.
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Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

Published on April 30, 2026
Is Washington losing its competitive edge? In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down the affordability crisis hitting our state. From Starbucks’ Nashville expansion and record-breaking tax increases to the stalled progress on the I-5 Columbia River bridge, we examine how current policies are driving families and...
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AUDIO: KTTH’s Jason Rantz Show: MacEwen Calls for Special Session Over State Energy Crisis

Published on April 30, 2026
State Senator Drew MacEwen joins Jason Rantz to discuss the urgent need for a special session to address rising utility and gas costs. MacEwen argues that current state policies are failing families and calls for immediate legislative action to provide relief and reassess Washington’s long-term fiscal health.
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AUDIO: Schoesler asks if Ferguson is following “spirit of law” with PDC appointments

Published on April 29, 2026
Is the state’s campaign-finance watchdog losing its balance? Tracy Ellis reports.
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News

February 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Wagoner Criticizes Income Tax Plan and Budget Moves in Olympia on KGMI Radio

On KGMI Radio, Sen. Keith Wagoner discusses legislative cutoffs, criticizes the proposed millionaire income tax, and opposes redirecting police and firefighter pension funds. He highlights concerns about an anti sheriff bill, public referendum limits, and emerging public safety issues like unregulated nitrous oxide sales.
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February 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate releases 2026 capital budget proposal

A proposal to keep Washington’s buildings, schools, and communities humming along was unveiled in Olympia. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republican Budget leader on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable

Something fragile that collapses easily – that’s how state Senate Republicans describe the Democrats’ new supplemental operating budget. Tracy Ellis explains.
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February 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: BREAKING: Income tax sets another state record for most unpopular bill ahead of hearing in House Finance Committee

The most unpopular bill in Washington history just got even more unpopular. Tracy Ellis tells us more than 100,000 people signed in to oppose the income tax bill ahead of its hearing in the House Finance Committee.
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February 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senators Short and Warnick Discuss Legislative Deadlines, Income Tax Debate, and Local Control Issues on KPQ

In this KPQ interview, Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick share insights on Olympia’s legislative session, including bill cutoff drama, opposition to a proposed state income tax, and concerns over SB 5974 limiting local control of sheriffs. They highlight strategic maneuvers, constitutional questions, and impacts on Washington communities.
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February 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Income Tax Threatens Washington Families—19th District Legislative Update with Senator Jeff Wilson

Senator Jeff Wilson calls the proposed income tax the most consequential bill of the session, warning it will devastate families and businesses. He fears the measure will spread “like tax wildfire” if enacted and urges hope that it never reaches the governor’s desk.
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February 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Distrust in Government Tax Promises—9th District Legislative Update with Senator Mark Schoesler

Senator Mark Schoesler reflects on decades of broken promises tied to taxes, from sales tax to lottery and capital gains. He argues that history shows government cannot be trusted to limit taxation, warning that the proposed income tax is just another step toward higher rates and less transparency.
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February 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Concerns Over State Income Tax—7th District Legislative Update with Senator Shelly Short

Senator Shelly Short voices strong opposition to a proposed state income tax, questioning when taxation will be “enough.” She highlights constituent concerns about escalating taxes and the long-term impact on families, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity in state spending priorities.
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February 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislative Update—Protecting Children from Fentanyl Exposure—Senate Republican Leader John Braun

Senator John Braun discusses a bill expanding child endangerment laws to include fentanyl exposure. With fentanyl-related tragedies among young children on the rise, this legislation aims to provide an additional tool to safeguard kids and address a growing public health crisis across Washington state. Learn more in The Elephant in the Dome Podcast.
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February 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republicans continue push for affordability amid wave of tax proposals

In Olympia, the hits just keep on coming — in the form of more tax and fee hikes. Tracy Ellis explains.
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February 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fentanyl, Families, and the Fight for Child Safety

Senator John Braun and Fostering Change Washington’s Jamie Williams discuss stalled child protection bills and the urgent need to update Washington’s child endangerment laws. They explore the fentanyl crisis, legislative roadblocks, and how citizens can push for accountability to protect vulnerable children from drug-exposed environments. Support Senate Bill 5071—contact your legislators today and demand action...
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February 18, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KTTH: Sen. John Braun Warns Income Tax Will Drive Businesses and Wealth Out of Washington

In an interview with Jason Rantz, Sen. John Braun criticizes Washington’s proposed 9.9% income tax, arguing it violates the constitution, threatens small businesses, and accelerates outmigration. He highlights economic risks, pass-through business impacts, and other controversial bills shaping the state’s future.
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