Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Sen. Gildon Pushes Back on Income Tax Plan on The Jason Rantz Show

Published on December 23, 2025
On The Jason Rantz Show, Sen. Chris Gildon tells Tim Gaydos (filling in for Jason Rantz) that he’s disappointed in Gov. Ferguson’s push for a future income tax and warns it won’t fix looming budget shortfalls. He argues Democrats’ policies fuel affordability problems and says Republicans want a budget that truly lives within its means.
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AUDIO: Republican budget leader concerned about future income tax, cautious about governor’s budget proposal

Published on December 23, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson says he isn’t proposing new taxes to balance his supplemental budget — but he is backing a future income tax to deal with shortfalls down the road. Tracy Ellis has more.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Washington’s Power Crunch: John Braun on the Future of the Grid

Published on December 19, 2025
Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins The Elephant in the Dome to break down Washington’s looming power shortage, the TransAlta coal‑to‑gas transition, the role of hydro and nuclear, and what it will take to keep energy reliable and affordable. TRANSCRIPT
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VIDEO: Washington senators propose bill aiming to make state release of serial rapists more difficult

Published on December 11, 2025
Two months after the release of the late Kevin Coe, Senator Mark Schoesler is proposing a bill that would make it harder to release those convicted of rape.
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AUDIO: Wilson bill would permit voluntary contributions for sea lion control

Published on December 11, 2025
Sea lions are taking a big bite out of Washington’s salmon runs — and Senator Jeff Wilson says boaters can help. Tracy Ellis explains.
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News from the Caucus

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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May 16, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Education—The State’s Paramount Duty, A Reality Check with Sen. John Braun

Senator John Braun discusses Washington’s constitutional duty to fund education, concerns over academic decline, the impact of local levies, and policy shifts shaping schools. Is the legislature delivering on its promise? Listen to find out.
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May 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Post-Session Recap: Taxes, Transparency & Tension in Olympia

With the legislative session officially over, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the whirlwind of budget debates, tax hikes, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. From killing harmful proposals to pushing back on rent control, Medicaid cuts, and unemployment benefits for striking workers—and will the new governor whittle down a budget many say is bloated?
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April 25, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Session Closes: Taxes, Public Safety, and Education Updates

As the Legislative Session ends, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks key issues: tax debates, rent control, unemployment benefits for striking workers, public safety strides, and challenges in education policy.
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April 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat Taxes, Taxes, and more Taxes and Rent Control

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, on “The Elephant in the Dome,” criticized Democrats’ $18 billion tax proposals, including property and sales tax hikes. He warned of economic risks, business exodus, and fiscal mismanagement. Braun also discussed rent control and transparency concerns in budgeting.
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April 10, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Property Taxes & Rent Control—The Unintended Consequences

Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses concerns over proposed property tax increases and rent control, featuring voices from homeowners, renters, and landlords. He examines economic impacts, the housing crisis, and the broader effects on businesses and essential services.  
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April 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—State Leadership in Focus—Treasurer, Governor, & Attorney General

Senator John Braun shares his thoughts on some of Washington’s statewide leaders in this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome.” From the Treasurer’s warnings about the rainy day fund to the Governor’s cautious stance on taxation and spending, the discussion highlights key policy debates. Plus, criticism of the Attorney General’s litigious approach and its...
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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.
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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.
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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,...
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