Leadership Blog

In the News

Washington State Legislative Letter of Support, Rural Health Transformation

Published on November 03, 2025
The Honorable Dr. Mehmet Oz CMS Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 200 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20201 Dear Administrator Oz, We submit this letter in strong support of Washington State’s application for funding under the CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative [CMS-RHT-26-001] and urge your approval of the maximum amount of allowable...
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What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?

Published on October 30, 2025
Sen. John Braun unpacks the affordability crisis in Washington—from groceries to housing to Medicaid. He explores priorities, long-term costs, and what lawmakers must do to keep essential services sustainable. TRANSCRIPT
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AUDIO: Sen. Braun on Race-Based Housing Scandal on KVI Radio

Published on October 28, 2025
Sen. John Braun joins KVI’s Morning Ride to discuss an investigation into alleged misuse of taxpayer funds tied to a race-restricted homeownership program.
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AUDIO: Braun: Corruption in race-based homeownership program exploits taxpayers, undermines public trust

Published on October 27, 2025
The state Senate Republican leader is demanding a full investigation into taxpayer money tied to a race-restricted housing program. Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO: Green Hill scandal ‘a systemic failure,’ demands accountability, transparency, reform

Published on October 21, 2025
State Senate Republican Leader John Braun is demanding action after reports of staff recording sexual acts with inmates at Green Hill School. Tracy Ellis reports.
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News from the Caucus

October 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?

Sen. John Braun unpacks the affordability crisis in Washington—from groceries to housing to Medicaid. He explores priorities, long-term costs, and what lawmakers must do to keep essential services sustainable. TRANSCRIPT
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October 16, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Housing Gridlock: What’s Driving Washington’s Crisis?

Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon join builder Kurt Wilson to unpack why housing is unaffordable and scarce in Washington—from rent control to red tape—and what Republicans say must change to get homes built and prices down. TRANSCRIPT Please share with your network. The more voices in the conversation, the closer we get to real...
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October 09, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Taxed to the Brink—Washington’s Budget Spiral

Sen. John Braun warns of a $1B deficit, rising lawsuit payouts, and new taxes. He blames overspending and mismanagement, urging a shift from tax-first policies to smarter budgeting and economic growth. [TRANSCRIPT]
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September 25, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Speech, Civility, and the Cost of Silence

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Senator John Braun confronts political violence and defends free speech on college campuses. He also unpacks Washington’s soaring gas prices. A deep dive into civil discourse, climate policy, and government accountability.
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September 11, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Washington’s labor policies—from public union influence to wage mandates—arguing for worker-first reforms rooted in conservative principles without the progressive spin. [TRANSCRIPT]  
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August 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington

Senator John Braun discusses fairness in girls’ sports, Kroger store closures tied to regulations and theft, and the need for responsible forest management to protect public lands and rural economies in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
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August 12, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: It’s the Economy: Housing, Tech, & Taxes in Turbulent Times

Senator John Braun unpacks Washington’s economic challenges—from housing shortages and tech industry tensions to energy concerns and historic tax hikes. What’s driving the downturn, and what can be done? ‘It’s the economy stupid’ in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome Podcast. [TRANSCRIPT]
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July 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Accountability & Reform: Medicaid, Car Thefts, and Juvenile Justice

Senator John Braun breaks down evolving questions around Medicaid changes, celebrates steep drops in auto thefts, and confronts serious concerns at Green Hill’s juvenile facility in this candid episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
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July 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Braun’s Big Beautiful Bill Breakdown

Senator John Braun responds to Governor Ferguson’s harsh criticism of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill.” While the governor warns of devastating impacts to health care, food assistance, clean energy, and rural hospitals, Braun argues that the bill introduces thoughtful reforms that improve accountability, affordability, and support for vulnerable groups. He emphasizes that most changes target...
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July 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Out of Order – When Politics Turn Violent and Budgets Break

Following the tragic act of political violence in Minnesota, Washington Senate Republican Leader John Braun urges bipartisan condemnation of all violence. He also warns of looming budget shortfalls after a sobering revenue forecast, criticizes tax hikes, and argues that unsustainable spending threatens essential services.
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June 17, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington’s Health Care Crisis: Hospital Closures & Hidden Costs

Hospitals across Washington are hurting, clinics are shutting down, and costs are skyrocketing. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, state senators break down the crisis hitting our health care system—from new taxes impacting hospitals to hidden costs that could drive up insurance premiums for families. What role does government play in this growing...
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May 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Gov. Ferguson’s First Big Test: What He Signed, Vetoed, and Didn’t

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Governor Bob Ferguson’s bill signings, a surprising veto, and the policies he let stand. From tax hikes to housing studies, police funding to rent control, we break down what made the cut—and what didn’t—in his first legislative session as governor.
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