Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Longview senator calls for thorough, transparent state investigation of deadly spill

Published on May 27, 2026
In the wake of a catastrophic tank collapse that turned deadly, the focus in Longview and in the state legislature is shifting toward the search for answers. Tracy Ellis tells us a Senator wants a full accounting from the state.
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AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson on the Longview Paper Mill Disaster

Published on May 27, 2026
A chemical tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, leaving several dead and injured. State Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) joined OPB’s Think Out Loud to discuss the tragedy. A Longview native and former hazardous waste management contractor who has worked on-site at the mill for years, Wilson provides a unique perspective on...
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Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome podcast

Published on May 20, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers break down Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this “cap-and-tax” law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. TRANSCRIPT
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AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

Published on April 30, 2026
Thirteen years ago, $3.5 billion would have paid for a whole new Columbia River bridge—today, it only covers the light rail. Tracy Ellis has this update.
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Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

Published on April 30, 2026
Is Washington losing its competitive edge? In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down the affordability crisis hitting our state. From Starbucks’ Nashville expansion and record-breaking tax increases to the stalled progress on the I-5 Columbia River bridge, we examine how current policies are driving families and...
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News

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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December 09, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KONA Radio: Schoesler Pushes Back on Serial Rapist Releases

On KONA Radio’s The Bottom Line, Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses his bipartisan bill to block the release of serial rapists who refuse treatment or show no remorse. Schoesler says victims deserve protection and lawmakers must close loopholes that allowed Kevin Coe’s release.
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December 09, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Schoesler introduces bipartisan bill making it harder to release serial rapists

Following the release of Spokane’s ‘South Hill Rapist,’ a state Senator is pressing for change. Tracy Ellis reports.
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December 04, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome podcast: Jobs Tax. Income Tax. Innovation Tax. Sen. John Braun Says: Enough to Democrat Tax Hikes!

Democrats are pushing a slew of new taxes — from jobs to income to innovation — that threaten Washington’s economy and working families. Sen. John Braun calls out their tax agenda, warning it will punish small businesses, stifle growth, and demand urgent conservative solutions. TRANSCRIPT
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December 02, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Leonard Christian on Paid Protester Taxes — Ari Hoffman Show

On the Ari Hoffman Show (Talk Radio 570 KVI), Sen. Leonard Christian breaks down his proposal to tax paid protester services. He shares the rationale, reactions from both parties, and how it spotlights bigger debates on taxation and priorities in Olympia.  
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November 18, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Focus is on Ferguson following year’s final revenue forecast, says Republican budget leader

The clock is now ticking on the Governor’s latest affordability test. Tracy Ellis explains.
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November 13, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Bill Gates Rethinks Climate, Washington Rethinks Dinner: Sen. Braun on Climate Costs and Dining Dilemmas

Sen. John Braun discusses Bill Gates’ climate pivot, the real-world impact of the Climate Commitment Act, and why Washington tops the charts for dining costs. Listen to this timely conversation about affordability, policy, and political accountability. TRANSCRIPT
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