Leadership Blog

In the News

The Elephant in the Dome: State of the State: Taxes, Crime & Transportation—Sen. Braun Responds

Published on January 15, 2026
On The Elephant in the Dome podcast, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the governor’s State of the State address, income tax proposals, public safety challenges, transportation funding issues, the importance of transparency, and why debates should focus on ideas—not individuals. TRANSCRIPT
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AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Discusses Budget Challenges, Initiative Process, and Law Enforcement Bills on KPQ

Published on January 15, 2026
In a KPQ radio interview, Sen. Keith Goehner addresses Washington’s budget deficit, concerns over changes to the initiative process, and proposed legislation impacting local law enforcement. He emphasizes fiscal responsibility, public voice in governance, and respect for local control.
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AUDIO: Sen. Shelly Short Urges NE Washington Residents to Weigh In on Wolf Management Bill

Published on January 14, 2026
Concerned about wolves wiping out deer and elk? Washington lawmakers are taking it up Monday—and you can have your say. Tracy Ellis reports.
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VIDEO: KOMO NEWS: Lawmakers discuss legislation, legal direction on DCYF oversight, featuring Sen. John Braun

Published on January 14, 2026
Sen. John Braun criticized limiting access to child care records, saying it erodes trust in government.
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AUDIO: Sen. Leonard Christian Calls Out Olympia’s Oversight Theater on KVI

Published on January 13, 2026
Sen. Leonard Christian joins Ari Hoffman to react to the governor’s address, discuss concerns over spending and proposed taxes, and highlight his push for transparency and accountability in DCYF oversight—all with his trademark humor.
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News from the Caucus

April 27, 2025
Mark Schoesler

Legislature approves two-year capital budget ‘for the entire state’

On the final day of its 2025 session, the Legislature approved the 2025-27 state capital budget, with the two Senate Republicans who helped develop this budget praising it for addressing needs throughout Washington. “I’m pleased that the capital budget passed by the Legislature addresses many needs throughout the state,” said 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler,...
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April 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Legislative Democrats ignore the advice of many and raise $12.5 billion in taxes just for the operating budget

Session ends with long debate on $77.9 billion operating budget   After long and heated debate, the majority passed the 2025-27 operating budget without a single Senate Republican vote. The document, which was released Saturday for a Sunday vote, is more than 1,300 pages long and spends nearly $80 billion over the next four years....
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April 04, 2025
Matt Boehnke

8th District lawmakers highlight proposed capital budget funding for local projects, pledge continued advocacy to secure final approval

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. April Connors, and Rep. Stephanie Barnard are championing critical 8th District investments included in the proposed 2025-27 House and Senate capital budgets. Both proposals must still be reconciled before final approval by the Legislature and...
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