Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: Key Legislative Updates from Washington’s 7th District

Published on January 19, 2026
Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell break down the first week of Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Topics include wildlife management bills, tax proposals, housing and childcare challenges, and the Climate Commitment Act’s impact on gas prices. Also, what’s ahead for agriculture, transportation, and economic policy in Washington State.
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AUDIO: Braun bill aims to protect housing grant program from fraud

Published on January 19, 2026
State taxpayer dollars meant to help people of color buy homes may have gone to insiders instead. Tracy Ellis reports.
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Washington State Senate adopts resolution observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Published on January 19, 2026
Sen. Judy Warnick/R-Moses Lake/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Today the Washington State Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 8661, officially recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reaffirming the Legislature’s dedication to justice, equity, and human dignity. The resolution honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing his teaching that progress requires clarity of purpose,...
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VIDEO: Sen. Chris Gildon’s Legislative Update — Jan. 12, 2026

Published on January 16, 2026
Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, reports from the state Capitol on the opening of the 2026 legislative session and the important decisions facing lawmakers.
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VIDEO: Sen. Mark Schoesler 2026 Session Week 1 Update

Published on January 16, 2026
9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler talks about the opening week of the 2026 legislative session, including Gov. Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address and concerns about agriculture in Washington.
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News from the Caucus

A weekly summary of Senate Republican Caucus content, featuring links to videos, radio and podcast appearances, press releases, social media posts, priority bills, and a short list of bad bills to watch.

September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

Setting the record straight on COVID-19 vaccines in Washington

Sen. Goehner, R-Dryden, talks with Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, on the Senate floor. Online discussions about COVID-19 vaccines have created confusion for many families across the state. Here is what residents of the 12th Legislative District should know about current guidance and the law in Washington: The Centers for Disease Control have updated their guidance...
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May 10, 2023
Senate Republican Caucus

Joint statement: Braun and Stokesbary comment on end to Inslee’s vaccine mandate

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that he will rescind requirements related to COVID-19 vaccination for state employees. House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary and Senate Republican Leader John Braun released the following statement in response to the governor’s directive: “Just as Governor Inslee was slow to end his COVID state of emergency, he’s been equally behind the times...
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March 01, 2023
Senate Republican Caucus

Bill threatening rights of parents passes Senate

Senate Bill 5599 removes parents from health and mental health care decision-making process OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, made the following remarks after the state Senate’s majority Democrats passed legislation that would give youth-related facilities a troubling new excuse for withholding the whereabouts of runaway children from their parents. Under Senate Bill 5599, those...
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August 17, 2022
Senate Republican Caucus

Inslee’s state of emergency at 900 days and counting… but why?

August 17, 2022 Once upon a time, Governor Inslee spoke of “data” and “science” when defending pandemic-related decisions he made with the self-granted authority that came with proclaiming a state of emergency. Around 16 months into the state of emergency a reporter asked the governor, in so many words, if state law gave him too...
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November 06, 2021
Senate Republican Caucus

Republican leaders oppose vaccine mandate for the private sector

House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox and Senate Republican Leader John Braun released the following statement today: “We oppose the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for the private sector. This policy will be counterproductive. It will also endanger successful Washington businesses, which have already adjusted to protect public health, and risk more shortages of critical goods and...
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March 04, 2021
Senate Republican Caucus

Republican lawmakers: Move schools, employers to next phase now

‘Open Safe, Open Now: A Republican plan for Phase 3 and Beyond’ shows trust in the people   READ THE PLAN OLYMPIA…In response to sharply declining COVID-19 case rates and hospitalization rates statewide, legislative Republicans today announced a simple, practical and consistent plan to get all communities in Washington fully open for both school and...
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