Leadership Blog

In the News

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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AUDIO: Governor should explain why temporary gas-price relief isn’t worth considering

Published on June 02, 2026
A state Senator says families deserve an honest talk about why Washington gas prices are some of the highest in America. Tracy Ellis explains.
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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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News

April 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Investigating DCYF: Oversight and Accountability for Washington’s Children on The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses the urgent need for oversight at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). He explores massive legal payouts for negligence, the impact of the “Keeping Families Together Act,” and how other states are handling similar agency failures through bipartisan investigation. TRANSCRIPT
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April 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The High Cost of Gas and Energy: The Elephant in the Dome Podcast with Senator John Braun

Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses Washington’s soaring energy costs. From record-high gas prices and the Climate Commitment Act to the future of nuclear power and data centers, Braun explores how state policies impact your wallet and outlines Republican solutions for a more affordable future. TRANSCRIPT
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April 07, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: KOMO: Braun Demands Accountability After Audit Flags $37M in Questionable Child Care Payments

After a state audit estimated $37 million in questionable child-care payments, Senator John Braun is calling for transparency and accountability at the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Braun says taxpayers deserve clear answers and stronger safeguards to prevent abuse while ensuring families who rely on child-care programs receive support.
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April 06, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Billions Spent, Little Accountability: Sen. Braun Sounds Alarm on Child Welfare Spending on the Lars Larson Show.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Lars Larson to discuss a troubling audit of Washington’s child welfare agency, revealing widespread overpayments and weak oversight. Braun questions why billions in taxpayer dollars are poorly tracked, why the agency employs many lobbyists but few auditors, and why accountability from state leadership remains absent.
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April 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Sen. John Braun on The John Curley Show on KIRO: Millions Wasted in WA Childcare Program?!

A new state audit is raising serious concerns about how taxpayer money is being handled in Washington. Senate Republican Leader John Braun says the findings reveal “nothing short of a systemic failure” inside the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, pointing to widespread overpayments to childcare providers and millions in improper spending. In just a...
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April 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

WA Income Tax Signed — But Fraud, Lawsuits & Government Waste Still Growing — The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Washington now has a new income tax set to take effect in 2028. But questions remain about how the state manages the money it already collects. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, host Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to discuss a troubling state audit involving the Washington State...
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April 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Braun: Auditor’s report reveals ‘systemic failure’ and misplaced priorities at DCYF

A new state audit is raising serious concerns about how Washington oversees childcare funding. Tracy Ellis reports.
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March 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Republicans call income tax historic but unnecessary, unconstitutional; urge veto

Both Republicans and Democrats agree on one aspect of today’s (Mon) bill signing establishing a Washington income tax: it’s historic. Tracy Ellis reports.
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March 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Senate Republicans call for veto of unnecessary, unconstitutional income tax

Governor should also bring lawmakers back to rework unaffordable budget OLYMPIA… Leaders of the state Senate Republican Caucus have called on Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto the income-tax bill passed by majority Democrats during this year’s annual session. In their letter requesting the veto, the Republican leaders also urged the governor to call legislators back...
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March 26, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Dozier gives credit to community after state drops effort to close Prescott School District

Think about what it would be like for your school district to suddenly face closure. A state legislator says families in Prescott lived through that exact fear. Tracy Ellis explains.
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March 26, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Leaving Washington: Myth, Reality, and the IRS Data Behind It—The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Washington is losing residents and income at a pace lawmakers can’t ignore. Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down IRS migration data, rising costs, new taxes, and why businesses and families are reconsidering their future in the state. He also discusses ExitWA and shares a message of hope and engagement. TRANSCRIPT
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March 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Matt Boehnke bill signed into law to streamline financial aid tracking

If you’ve ever tried to track a college financial aid application, you know it can feel like a maze. A new Washington law aims to make that process a lot clearer for students and families. Tracy Ellis reports.
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