Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Attacks on signature gatherers prompt new bill from Sen. Jeff Wilson

Published on October 03, 2025
A state senator wants to stop the increasing attacks on signature gatherers involved in initiatives and referendums, from heated arguments to physical clashes. Tracy Ellis has more.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Speech, Civility, and the Cost of Silence

Published on September 25, 2025
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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AUDIO: Latest revenue forecast is more proof Democrats should have worked with Republicans on budget

Published on September 23, 2025
Washington’s latest revenue forecast just came out—and it’s a wake-up call. Tracy Ellis explains.
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VIDEO: AWB 2025 Policy Summit: Washington Budget Outlook, featuring Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on September 18, 2025
Washington’s budget outlook is grim: spending surged, reserves dwindled, and tax hikes hit families and businesses. Republicans urge fiscal restraint, program audits, and no new taxes.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians

Published on September 11, 2025
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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News from the Caucus

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...
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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...
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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
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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
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December 11, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Majority Coalition Caucus versus single-party rule

As Democrats prepare for unilateral, supermajority control in Olympia, Republicans recall a more bipartisan era – 12 years ago, when the Majority Coalition Caucus, an historic alliance that ushered in a wave of critical reforms, came into existence.
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October 08, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator frustrated about bureaucratic delay of school earthquake protections

Tens-of-millions of dollars set aside to protect schools from earthquakes is not getting spent, and state Senator Judy Warnick wants something done about it. The Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is supposed to be distributing the money.
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September 18, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Shortage of public defenders and prosecutors – a criminal justice crisis

Washington’s criminal justice system has a big problem – a shortage of public defenders and prosecutors. Senator Mike Padden, a former judge and the Ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee is the featured guest. Washington Supreme Court justices take testimony on proposed changes to public defender standards – Learn you how you...
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May 16, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Republicans applaud Center For Behavioral Health and Learning opening

Republican senators applaud the opening of the center, stressing its importance amid the opioid crisis. Senator Lynda Wilson highlights the need for both treatment and accountability.
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April 11, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Inslee signs Democrat bill to transition largest utility away from natural gas – Gildon breaks down implications

Governor Inslee signed a Democrat bill that he says creates the roadmap and tools for Puget Sound Energy to get out of the natural gas business. What does that mean? Senator Chris Gildon provides a comprehensive explanation of this controversial new law.
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April 28, 2023
Senate Republican Caucus

Failure to reform drug-possession law rests squarely with House Democrats, says Republican leader

A bill to increase the penalty for hard drug-possession failed in the House of Representatives in the final hours of the legislative session. No Republicans voted for the bill and legislative Democrats say that surprised them. Senate Republican Leader John Braun doesn’t understand how that’s possible.
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November 15, 2018
Senate Republican Caucus

Episode 5 – Affordable Housing & Homelessness Package

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.
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November 15, 2018
Senate Republican Caucus

Episode 4 – Mental Health Package

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.
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