Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Torres bill targets dangerous roadways with new crash prevention zones

Published on January 23, 2026
Lives lost on dangerous roads pushes a state Senator to act. Tracy Ellis reports.  
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AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson Warns Against “Initiative Killer” on The Ari Hoffman Show

Published on January 23, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson joined KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show to sound the alarm on a proposal that would make Washington’s initiative process harder. The plan adds new hurdles like requiring 1,000 signatures before starting, extra verification steps, and restrictions on paid signature gatherers—moves Wilson says will silence voters and gut direct democracy. He calls fraud claims...
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AUDIO: 7th Legislative District Update: Senator Shelly Short Opposes Initiative Restrictions and Pushes Wildlife Management Reform

Published on January 23, 2026
Senator Shelly Short speaks out against a bill that would make it harder for Washingtonians to file and run initiatives, calling it an attack on citizen voices. She also highlights her support for a new approach to wildlife management aimed at addressing declining deer populations and balancing predator-prey dynamics. Short emphasizes the need for accountability...
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AUDIO: Legislative Update: Senate Republican Leader John Braun Warns Against Bill Limiting Citizen Initiatives

Published on January 23, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun raises concerns about a bill introduced by the Democratic majority that would make it harder for Washingtonians to propose initiatives and gather signatures. Braun argues that the measure undermines direct democracy guaranteed by the state constitution and reflects an effort to consolidate legislative power at the expense of citizen involvement.
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AUDIO: 9th Legislative District Update: Senator Mark Schoesler Discusses Tax Proposals and Capital Budget Concerns in Week Two of Session

Published on January 23, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler provides insight into the second week of the legislative session. He highlights the flood of new tax proposals—ranging from utility and cellphone taxes to income and wealth taxes—and their impact on hardworking families. Schoesler also shares details on his bill to rein in school construction costs and voices concerns about inefficiencies in...
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News from the Caucus

A weekly summary of Senate Republican Caucus content, featuring links to videos, radio and podcast appearances, press releases, social media posts, priority bills, and a short list of bad bills to watch.

March 18, 2021
John Braun

Republican leaders say endorsement of 3-foot spacing would help classrooms reopen

OLYMPIA… The state Legislature’s top Republican leaders today said a gubernatorial endorsement of 3-foot spacing for classrooms would help Washington schools comply with Gov. Jay Inslee’s March 15 emergency proclamation calling for at least a partial return to regular classroom instruction. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox noted the possibility...
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April 15, 2020
Mark Schoesler

Schoesler statement on announcement of West Coast governors’ pact

OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, issued this statement in response to Monday’s announcement by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and California Gov. Gavin Newsom that they have an agreement on a shared vision for reopening their states’ economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future. “If Washington shares a vision with...
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June 21, 2017
Mark Schoesler

‘No government shutdown’ assures Senate majority leader

Schoesler maintains confidence that budget deal will be reached in time to avoid partial shutdown OLYMPIA…Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement of a third special legislative session to finalize negotiations on a budget for the 2017-19 biennium. “I fully expect the budget teams to submit a...
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December 17, 2014
Curtis King

King selected to lead Senate transportation committee

During a meeting of Senate majority lawmakers Monday, Sen. Curtis King was chosen to chair the Senate Transportation Committee. As head of the committee, King will steer the transportation agenda and bill proposals, as well as write the biennial transportation budget. It is anticipated that the agenda will focus on passage of a reform and transportation-revenue package....
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December 04, 2014
Mark Schoesler

Schoesler elected to lead Senate coalition as Majority Leader

The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus today elected Sen. Mark Schoesler as Senate Majority Leader for a two-year legislative term. “I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for their vote of confidence and am eager to continue working on solutions for the people of Washington,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville, “It’s time to govern and roll up our sleeves...
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