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

January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Leonard Christian Calls Out Olympia’s Oversight Theater on KVI

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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January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: In the Hole…Right back where we were this time last year

Watch Sen. Keith Wagoner give the Republican perspective after the governor’s State of the State speech today.   Can the majority live within its means?   As the governor delivered his annual State of the State address earlier this week, we were reminded that, just last year, he said he didn’t want to end up...
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January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: TVW: Washington to Washington: Tariffs & The Economy featuring Sen. Chris Gildon

From the ports to farms to high-tech manufacturing and the grocery aisles, federal tariff policy has wide-ranging implications. What is the impact of hundreds of millions in tariffs and the outlook for the future in Washington. Republicans take issue with the focus on tariffs and believe there are greater threats to the state’s economy. Sen....
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January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Talks Budget Strains, Taxes, and Local Control on KOZI

Sen. Keith Goehner joins KOZI to discuss revenue shortfalls, proposed income‑tax changes, limits on citizen initiatives, law‑enforcement oversight, housing solutions, and why public engagement matters as the 2026 session gets underway.
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January 12, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Voices from the 7th Legislative District: Short, Engell & Abell Kick Off the 2026 Session on KOMW

Sen. Shelly Short and Reps. Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell chat about the start of the 2026 session, sharing stories from home and breaking down issues like taxes, agriculture, public safety, and what matters most to folks across the 7th District.
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January 12, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Amid growing concern about daycare fraud, senator protests legislation that would reduce public scrutiny

Lawmakers in Olympia are facing tough questions about daycare oversight, and one state senator says Democrats are responding by dimming transparency. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 08, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Daycare Fraud: Is Scrutiny Racist? Plus, Democrats’ Piecrust Tax Promises—The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Sen. John Braun breaks down rising daycare‑fraud concerns, why investigating isn’t racist, and why Democrats’ “piecrust” tax promises could mean a new income tax and higher property taxes this session. TRANSCRIPT
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December 23, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Gildon Pushes Back on Income Tax Plan on The Jason Rantz Show

On The Jason Rantz Show, Sen. Chris Gildon tells Tim Gaydos (filling in for Jason Rantz) that he’s disappointed in Gov. Ferguson’s push for a future income tax and warns it won’t fix looming budget shortfalls. He argues Democrats’ policies fuel affordability problems and says Republicans want a budget that truly lives within its means.
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December 23, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republican budget leader concerned about future income tax, cautious about governor’s budget proposal

Governor Bob Ferguson says he isn’t proposing new taxes to balance his supplemental budget — but he is backing a future income tax to deal with shortfalls down the road. Tracy Ellis has more.
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December 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Washington’s Power Crunch: John Braun on the Future of the Grid

Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins The Elephant in the Dome to break down Washington’s looming power shortage, the TransAlta coal‑to‑gas transition, the role of hydro and nuclear, and what it will take to keep energy reliable and affordable. TRANSCRIPT
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December 11, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Washington senators propose bill aiming to make state release of serial rapists more difficult

Two months after the release of the late Kevin Coe, Senator Mark Schoesler is proposing a bill that would make it harder to release those convicted of rape.
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December 11, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Wilson bill would permit voluntary contributions for sea lion control

Sea lions are taking a big bite out of Washington’s salmon runs — and Senator Jeff Wilson says boaters can help. Tracy Ellis explains.
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