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

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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February 09, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: 7th District Legislators Discuss Tax Battles, Parents’ Rights & Rural Priorities

Senator Shelly Short and Representative Andrew Engell discuss income tax proposals, parents’ rights initiatives, crime concerns, and rural issues on “Live from Olympia” on Okanogan Country Radio. Hear insights on legislative deadlines, wildfire funding, hunting access, and bills shaping Washington’s future.
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Tax Proposals, Citizen Engagement, and Controversial Initiatives on KPQ Radio

Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick cover the proposed income tax legislation, the first bill cutoff and upcoming floor debates. They also highlight growing public involvement in state government, sharing details about listening sessions on voter-backed initiatives addressing fairness in girls’ sports and privacy concerns. They stress the importance of citizen voices in shaping policy...
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson addresses the new income tax bill, cautioning that while it targets million-dollar incomes now, thresholds could drop to affect middle-class families. Wilson emphasizes Washington’s history of rejecting income taxes and urges vigilance against what he calls “an income tax on the loose.”
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses the Democrats’ income tax proposal that he was warned would come after the capital gains tax passed. Schoesler questions promises of tax relief, criticizes token sales tax exemptions like toothpaste and suntan lotion, and warns taxpayers about future tax hikes and broken pledges.
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Democrats introducing an income tax bill. Braun highlights the state’s constitutional precedent against income taxes, past voter rejections, and why he sees the proposal as a “money grab” with minimal tax relief for working families.
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax...
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February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KOZI: Sen. Shelly Short Warns Against Income Tax, Pushes Insurance Reform

On KOZI, Sen. Shelly Short discusses the proposed income tax, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to small businesses. She highlighted concerns over affordability and state spending priorities. Short also addressed rising property insurance costs, advocating for transparency and wildfire risk reduction. She urged constituents to stay engaged and share feedback.
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February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republicans issue reality check on income-tax proposal

Majority Democrats in Olympia unveiled their much-anticipated bill to impose a state income tax. Tracy Ellis reports.
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