Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Republican Budget leader on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable

Published on February 23, 2026
Something fragile that collapses easily – that’s how state Senate Republicans describe the Democrats’ new supplemental operating budget. Tracy Ellis explains.
Read More

AUDIO: BREAKING: Income tax sets another state record for most unpopular bill ahead of hearing in House Finance Committee

Published on February 23, 2026
The most unpopular bill in Washington history just got even more unpopular. Tracy Ellis tells us more than 100,000 people signed in to oppose the income tax bill ahead of its hearing in the House Finance Committee.
Read More

AUDIO: Senators Short and Warnick Discuss Legislative Deadlines, Income Tax Debate, and Local Control Issues on KPQ

Published on February 20, 2026
In this KPQ interview, Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick share insights on Olympia’s legislative session, including bill cutoff drama, opposition to a proposed state income tax, and concerns over SB 5974 limiting local control of sheriffs. They highlight strategic maneuvers, constitutional questions, and impacts on Washington communities.
Read More

AUDIO: Income Tax Threatens Washington Families—19th District Legislative Update with Senator Jeff Wilson

Published on February 20, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson calls the proposed income tax the most consequential bill of the session, warning it will devastate families and businesses. He fears the measure will spread “like tax wildfire” if enacted and urges hope that it never reaches the governor’s desk.
Read More

AUDIO: Distrust in Government Tax Promises—9th District Legislative Update with Senator Mark Schoesler

Published on February 20, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler reflects on decades of broken promises tied to taxes, from sales tax to lottery and capital gains. He argues that history shows government cannot be trusted to limit taxation, warning that the proposed income tax is just another step toward higher rates and less transparency.
Read More

News from the Caucus

February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Talks Taxes, Housing, and Budget Challenges on KOZI Radio

Sen. Keith Goehner joined KOZI Radio to discuss the proposed income tax, housing affordability, and tough budget decisions in Olympia. He urges constituents to stay engaged and share feedback during this short legislative session.
Read More
February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Democrats pass pile of bills undermining affordability out of committee

Ignoring affordability concerns, Senate Democrats advanced bills that would raise the cost of living for Washingtonians. Tracy Ellis explains.
Read More
February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously passes Wagoner bill to integrate Civil Air Patrol into state emergency response

A step toward bolstering the state’s emergency readiness – the state Senate passed a bill to make the Civil Air Patrol an official division of the state’s Military Department. Tracy Ellis has more.
Read More
February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: State Senate honors Seattle Seahawks following Super Bowl championship

The Super Bowl champs get a salute from the state Senate. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
February 09, 2026
Nikki Torres

NEWS: Sen. Nikki Torres honors Seattle Seahawks following historic Super Bowl championship season

OLYMPIA — Sen. Nikki Torres today sponsored Senate Resolution 8683 honoring the Seattle Seahawks for their historic 2025 National Football League season, culminating in a Super Bowl LX championship and one of the most successful campaigns in franchise history. The resolution is scheduled to be read on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The...
Read More
February 09, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: 7th District Legislators Discuss Tax Battles, Parents’ Rights & Rural Priorities

Senator Shelly Short and Representative Andrew Engell discuss income tax proposals, parents’ rights initiatives, crime concerns, and rural issues on “Live from Olympia” on Okanogan Country Radio. Hear insights on legislative deadlines, wildfire funding, hunting access, and bills shaping Washington’s future.
Read More
February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Tax Proposals, Citizen Engagement, and Controversial Initiatives on KPQ Radio

Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick cover the proposed income tax legislation, the first bill cutoff and upcoming floor debates. They also highlight growing public involvement in state government, sharing details about listening sessions on voter-backed initiatives addressing fairness in girls’ sports and privacy concerns. They stress the importance of citizen voices in shaping policy...
Read More
February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson addresses the new income tax bill, cautioning that while it targets million-dollar incomes now, thresholds could drop to affect middle-class families. Wilson emphasizes Washington’s history of rejecting income taxes and urges vigilance against what he calls “an income tax on the loose.”
Read More
February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses the Democrats’ income tax proposal that he was warned would come after the capital gains tax passed. Schoesler questions promises of tax relief, criticizes token sales tax exemptions like toothpaste and suntan lotion, and warns taxpayers about future tax hikes and broken pledges.
Read More
February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Democrats introducing an income tax bill. Braun highlights the state’s constitutional precedent against income taxes, past voter rejections, and why he sees the proposal as a “money grab” with minimal tax relief for working families.
Read More
February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax...
Read More
February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KOZI: Sen. Shelly Short Warns Against Income Tax, Pushes Insurance Reform

On KOZI, Sen. Shelly Short discusses the proposed income tax, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to small businesses. She highlighted concerns over affordability and state spending priorities. Short also addressed rising property insurance costs, advocating for transparency and wildfire risk reduction. She urged constituents to stay engaged and share feedback.
Read More
1 2
3
4 5 6 7
...
24