Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Sen. Braun Advocates for Fiscal Responsibility on KVI Radio

Published on March 31, 2025
Sen. John Braun discussed tax relief, public safety, and government accountability on KVI Radio. He criticized excessive spending, opposed a property tax hike, and stressed fiscal responsibility to support families and businesses amid inflation.
Read More

AUDIO/VIDEO: Republican budget leaders shocked by Democrats’ rejection of no-new-taxes, no-cuts budget proposal

Published on March 30, 2025
AUDIO: State Senate Democrats passed a budget that includes the largest tax increase in state history after rejecting a responsible, no-new-taxes, no-cuts proposal from Senate Republicans. Tracy Ellis reports.     VIDEO:  
Read More

AUDIO: Washington State Senate Republican leadership update with Senator John Braun.

Published on March 28, 2025
Sen. John Braun criticizes Democrats’ $21B tax plan, including wealth, payroll, and property tax hikes. He warns of a $1B annual property tax increase within three years, burdening homeowners amid a housing crisis.
Read More

AUDIO: Senate Republican Leader: Tell the majority “NO” on higher property taxes

Published on March 27, 2025
Your city, county, and state property taxes could soon rise as fast as inflation—Tracy Ellis explains how you can fight back.
Read More

AUDIO: Fishing and hunting licenses fee hike clears state Senate

Published on March 27, 2025
If you hunt or fish in our state, pay attention: A bill just passed the Senate and is now in the House that would hike license fees by 38%. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More

News from the Caucus

March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The True Cost of Washington’s Tax Hikes

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Olympia’s latest tax proposals, from property tax hikes to new fees on outdoor recreation. With over $20 billion in increases at stake, learn how these changes could hit homeowners, renters, and businesses—and what they mean for Washington’s housing crisis.
Read More
March 22, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Tax Debate in Olympia—Cost of Living, Innovation & Economic Growth

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about the impact of proposed tax increases in Washington. He discusses the Republican budget alternative, concerns over new payroll and wealth taxes, and how these policies could affect affordability, job growth, and economic stability in the state.
Read More
March 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome: Senators Braun and Gildon Discuss the $ave Washington Budget

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, join Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon as they explore the innovative $ave Washington Budget. Discover their “third way” approach to addressing the state’s budget challenges—avoiding heavy taxes or harmful cuts—while focusing on priorities like education,...
Read More
March 07, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Anti-Semitism on Campus, Public Safety, and Washington’s Budget Crisis

On this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun is joined by KVI radio host Ari Hoffman for a no-holds-barred conversation about rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, the state of public safety in Washington, and the looming budget crisis. They discuss the University of Washington’s handling of campus activism, the challenges of...
Read More
March 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Budget Battles & Big Decisions – Senators Braun & Gildon Weigh In

Republican Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon break down Washington’s budget debate, tackling spending concerns, new taxes, and the state’s $6.7B shortfall. Can lawmakers solve it without raising costs for families? Get the inside scoop on fiscal responsibility in Olympia!
Read More
February 22, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington Senate Republicans Push for Housing Solutions

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Keith Goehner discuss Washington’s housing crisis and the Senate Republican plan to address affordability. They break down the impact of restrictive regulations, the risks of rent control, and why empowering private sector development is key to increasing supply. Tune...
Read More
February 14, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The Truth About The Road Usage Tax and New Tax Hikes

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza to break down the controversial Road Usage Charge proposal. Is this new mileage tax just another burden on hardworking Washingtonians? How will it impact rural communities, low-income drivers, and transportation funding? We also dive...
Read More
February 08, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

Elephant in the Dome Podcast | The Fight for Parental Rights: Senate Bill 5181 Debate and Failing Schools

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza sit down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to discuss the controversial Senate Bill 5181. How does this bill impact parental rights in schools? What key amendments were made, and what were rejected? The growing concerns over public education, declining test...
Read More
January 24, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: A Better Future for Washington’s Children

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome,” the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza sit down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They delve into Democrat efforts affecting parental rights, the challenges and opportunities in education funding, and a vision for reimagining The Evergreen...
Read More
January 18, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Governor’s Inaugural Address, Budget Insights, and Legislative Updates

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome,” the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza are joined by Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They discuss Governor Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address and some key issues facing legislators. They also touch on the potential for new taxes...
Read More
January 10, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senate Republican Priorities, Budget Challenges and Transportation Funding

Washington State Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington legislative session preview Senate Republican Leader John Braun on Senate Republicans’ priorities Senator Chris Gildon on the need to identify the actual budget problem Senator Curtis King making more money from transportation taxes and fees available to transportation projects
Read More
January 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: New Democrat taxes, hiring more law enforcement, repealing sanctuary state status

State Senate Democrats accidentally leak new tax plans. A bill seeks 100 million dollars to help hire more law-enforcement officers. A Senator wants to help illegal immigrants by repealing Washington’s sanctuary state status. Guests include: Sen. Chris Gildon, Sen. Jeff Holy, Sen. Phil Fortunato
Read More
1
2