Leadership Blog

In the News

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Housing Gridlock: What’s Driving Washington’s Crisis?

Published on October 16, 2025
Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon join builder Kurt Wilson to unpack why housing is unaffordable and scarce in Washington—from rent control to red tape—and what Republicans say must change to get homes built and prices down. TRANSCRIPT Please share with your network. The more voices in the conversation, the closer we get to real...
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AUDIO: Sen. Curtis King talks paid family leave on KVI’s Morning Ride

Published on October 15, 2025
Sen. Curtis King argues the paid leave program is financially unsustainable and unfair to workers, especially lower-income earners. He opposes raising premiums and instead supports reducing benefits and tightening eligibility to control costs.
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AUDIO: Attacks on signature gatherers prompt new bill from Sen. Jeff Wilson

Published on October 03, 2025
A state senator wants to stop the increasing attacks on signature gatherers involved in initiatives and referendums, from heated arguments to physical clashes. Tracy Ellis has more.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Speech, Civility, and the Cost of Silence

Published on September 25, 2025
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Senator John Braun confronts political violence and defends free speech on college campuses. He also unpacks Washington’s soaring gas prices. A deep dive into civil discourse, climate policy, and government accountability.
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AUDIO: Latest revenue forecast is more proof Democrats should have worked with Republicans on budget

Published on September 23, 2025
Washington’s latest revenue forecast just came out—and it’s a wake-up call. Tracy Ellis explains.
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News from the Caucus

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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