Leadership Blog

In the News

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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VIDEO: Senator Jeff Wilson on Longview tank explosion

Published on June 04, 2026
KIRO 7: Longview leaders react to no regulatory inspections of white liquor tanks KOIN 6: Longview community’s future discussed by Senator Jeff Wilson
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AUDIO: As summer heat looms, Warnick pushes for wildfire insurance transparency and central Washington water security

Published on June 03, 2026
With the summer heat kicking in, Central Washington is bracing for drought—but a state senator says water is only half the battle. Tracy Ellis explains.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Is Washington Misdiagnosing the Homeless Crisis? | Jonathan Choe & Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on June 03, 2026
Is housing really the solution to Washington’s homelessness crisis? Senator Chris Gildon and investigative journalist Jonathan Choe discuss why “Housing First” models are failing. They explore the impact of fentanyl, the lack of taxpayer accountability, and why treating addiction as a mental illness is the only way forward for Washington state. Transcript: The Elephant in...
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News

February 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Wilson Warns of Local Control Loss

Senator Jeff Wilson condemned Senate Bill 5974, which shifts authority over sheriffs from voters to an unelected board. He highlighted Pacific County as the first likely impacted, calling the measure an “ugly bill” that disregards the will of voters and threatens democratic accountability in policing.
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February 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Braun Criticizes Sheriff Decertification Plan

Senate Republican Leader John Braun opposes legislation enabling a governor-appointed commission to remove elected sheriffs. He emphasizes existing recall and election processes already safeguard accountability, arguing the proposal oversteps constitutional protections and undermines voters’ rights to choose their law enforcement leaders every four years.
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February 12, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KPQ: Senator Keith Goehner on Key Issues

On KPQ, Senator Keith Goehner says an income tax proposal has no guarantee that funds will go to education. He’s concerned over a bill that would let an unelected board remove elected sheriffs. He says expanded powers for the Attorney General raises questions about overreach and impacts on small businesses. He continues to work to...
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February 12, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Sen. Mark Schoesler: “Never” on State Income Tax

Senator Mark Schoesler speaks out from Olympia as the proposed state income tax moves forward. He reaffirms his long-standing promise to oppose an income tax, explaining why he believes it misleads the public and fails to guarantee funding for health care, K-12 education, or higher education.
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February 12, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: MacEwen denounces Senate passage of controversial, undemocratic “Anti-Sherriff” bill

Imagine electing a sheriff—only to have the state remove them. Tracy Ellis tells us it could happen in the future.
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February 12, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Cost of Food: Senators Braun & Muzzall on Affordability & Agriculture

Senators John Braun and Ron Muzzall discuss why Washington’s food prices keep climbing. From labor and fuel costs to taxes and regulations, they reveal how policies impact farmers, grocery stores, and families—and why affordability should be a legislative priority. An illuminating look at the state’s food affordability and agricultural crisis. [TRANSCRIPT]
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bill streamlining financial aid tracking for high school students passes Senate unanimously

If you’ve ever wrestled with college financial aid, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be. A new bill passed unanimously in the state Senate aims to make the process easier. Kelley Payne has more.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously advances Warnick bill to evaluate DCYF child welfare assessment practices

Protecting kids—that’s the focus of a bill that just passed the Washington State Senate unanimously. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Talks Taxes, Housing, and Budget Challenges on KOZI Radio

Sen. Keith Goehner joined KOZI Radio to discuss the proposed income tax, housing affordability, and tough budget decisions in Olympia. He urges constituents to stay engaged and share feedback during this short legislative session.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Democrats pass pile of bills undermining affordability out of committee

Ignoring affordability concerns, Senate Democrats advanced bills that would raise the cost of living for Washingtonians. Tracy Ellis explains.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously passes Wagoner bill to integrate Civil Air Patrol into state emergency response

A step toward bolstering the state’s emergency readiness – the state Senate passed a bill to make the Civil Air Patrol an official division of the state’s Military Department. Tracy Ellis has more.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: State Senate honors Seattle Seahawks following Super Bowl championship

The Super Bowl champs get a salute from the state Senate. Tracy Ellis reports.
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