Leadership Blog

In the News

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

Published on February 05, 2026
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...
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AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

Published on February 05, 2026
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.”
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AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Published on February 05, 2026
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.
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AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Published on February 05, 2026
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.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Published on February 05, 2026
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...
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News from the Caucus

January 21, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senator Jeff Wilson Talks Local Control, Sea Lion Management, and Tax Concerns on Timber Country 94.7

On Timber Country 94.7, Senator Jeff Wilson shares his views on key issues impacting Washington residents. He discusses the controversial Senate Bill 5974 and its implications for local sheriffs, questions the state’s sanctuary policies, and highlights his efforts to manage sea lion populations threatening fisheries. Wilson also addresses electric vehicle charging perks at state facilities,...
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January 21, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Wilson kit home bill passes Senate unanimously

State legislators are taking another swing at solving Washington’s housing crunch. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Wagoner Discusses Flood Recovery, Farm Struggles, and Legislative Challenges on KGMI Radio

In this KGMI interview, Sen. Keith Wagoner shares insights on Olympia’s 2026 session, addressing flood recovery efforts, Washington farmers’ economic struggles, and controversial law enforcement bills. He also highlights budget concerns and the need for policy changes to support rural communities.
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January 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Critics blast new ‘Initiative Killer’ bill advancing in Washington Legislature

A battle over Washington’s initiative process at the State Capitol. Tracy Ellis has the latest on the so-called “Initiative Killer” bill.
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January 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: Key Legislative Updates from Washington’s 7th District

Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell break down the first week of Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Topics include wildlife management bills, tax proposals, housing and childcare challenges, and the Climate Commitment Act’s impact on gas prices. Also, what’s ahead for agriculture, transportation, and economic policy in Washington State.
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January 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Braun bill aims to protect housing grant program from fraud

State taxpayer dollars meant to help people of color buy homes may have gone to insiders instead. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 19, 2026
Judy Warnick

Washington State Senate adopts resolution observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Sen. Judy Warnick/R-Moses Lake/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Today the Washington State Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 8661, officially recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reaffirming the Legislature’s dedication to justice, equity, and human dignity. The resolution honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing his teaching that progress requires clarity of purpose,...
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Sen. Chris Gildon’s Legislative Update — Jan. 12, 2026

Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, reports from the state Capitol on the opening of the 2026 legislative session and the important decisions facing lawmakers.
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Sen. Mark Schoesler 2026 Session Week 1 Update

9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler talks about the opening week of the 2026 legislative session, including Gov. Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address and concerns about agriculture in Washington.
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Weekly Legislative Update from Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun

Are Democrats in Washington enacting an income tax? Yes. Legislative Democrats, who are in the majority, are preparing to drop two income tax bills — one in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives. An income tax on anyone WILL become an income tax on everyone. And the voters in Washington have rejected...
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 7th District Legislative Update: Sen. Shelly Short Warns of Income Tax Push and Controversial Sheriff Bill

Sen. Shelly Short says Democrats plan to pass an income tax without voter approval and predicts a court challenge. She also opposes SB 5974, calling it the worst bill she’s seen, as it allows an unelected board to remove elected sheriffs over enforcement disagreements.
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun Criticizes Governor’s State of the State Address

Senate Republican Leader John Braun says the governor’s speech catered to Democratic talking points and undermined law and order by encouraging state laws that defy federal rules, calling such actions unconstitutional and harmful.
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