Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Longview senator calls for thorough, transparent state investigation of deadly spill

Published on May 27, 2026
In the wake of a catastrophic tank collapse that turned deadly, the focus in Longview and in the state legislature is shifting toward the search for answers. Tracy Ellis tells us a Senator wants a full accounting from the state.
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AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson on the Longview Paper Mill Disaster

Published on May 27, 2026
A chemical tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, leaving several dead and injured. State Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) joined OPB’s Think Out Loud to discuss the tragedy. A Longview native and former hazardous waste management contractor who has worked on-site at the mill for years, Wilson provides a unique perspective on...
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Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome podcast

Published on May 20, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers break down Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this “cap-and-tax” law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. TRANSCRIPT
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AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

Published on April 30, 2026
Thirteen years ago, $3.5 billion would have paid for a whole new Columbia River bridge—today, it only covers the light rail. Tracy Ellis has this update.
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Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

Published on April 30, 2026
Is Washington losing its competitive edge? In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down the affordability crisis hitting our state. From Starbucks’ Nashville expansion and record-breaking tax increases to the stalled progress on the I-5 Columbia River bridge, we examine how current policies are driving families and...
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News

February 12, 2026
Ron Muzzall

NEWS: Lawmakers from 10th District to host in-person community town hall in Oak Harbor on February 21

OLYMPIA — Residents of Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties are invited to attend an in-person community town hall hosted by Sen. Ron Muzzall and Rep. Dave Paul at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at The Center, 51 SE Jerome Street in Oak Harbor. The lawmakers will provide an update on the 2026 legislative session,...
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bill streamlining financial aid tracking for high school students passes Senate unanimously

If you’ve ever wrestled with college financial aid, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be. A new bill passed unanimously in the state Senate aims to make the process easier. Kelley Payne has more.
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February 11, 2026
Matt Boehnke

NEWS: Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bill streamlining financial aid tracking for high school students passes Senate unanimously

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate today approved Substitute Senate Bill 5841, sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, to improve how students track progress on state and federal financial aid applications. SSB 5841 seeks to strengthen Washington’s universal High School and Beyond Plan platform by requiring it to import financial aid application data maintained by the...
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously advances Warnick bill to evaluate DCYF child welfare assessment practices

Protecting kids—that’s the focus of a bill that just passed the Washington State Senate unanimously. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 11, 2026
Matt Boehnke

OPINION: Neighborhoods and families deserve safety, accountability

The following opinion-editorial appeared in the Free Cheney Press on Feb. 11, 2026: Kennewick is facing a decision that will affect families for years to come: whether a home for sexually violent predators is placed in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Parents are asking reasonable questions. Law enforcement is raising legitimate concerns. Neighbors want...
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Talks Taxes, Housing, and Budget Challenges on KOZI Radio

Sen. Keith Goehner joined KOZI Radio to discuss the proposed income tax, housing affordability, and tough budget decisions in Olympia. He urges constituents to stay engaged and share feedback during this short legislative session.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Democrats pass pile of bills undermining affordability out of committee

Ignoring affordability concerns, Senate Democrats advanced bills that would raise the cost of living for Washingtonians. Tracy Ellis explains.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously passes Wagoner bill to integrate Civil Air Patrol into state emergency response

A step toward bolstering the state’s emergency readiness – the state Senate passed a bill to make the Civil Air Patrol an official division of the state’s Military Department. Tracy Ellis has more.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: State Senate honors Seattle Seahawks following Super Bowl championship

The Super Bowl champs get a salute from the state Senate. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 10, 2026
Nikki Torres

NEWS: Senate unanimously approves Sen. Nikki Torres’ bill requiring public reporting of child near fatality reviews

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate today unanimously approved Senate Bill 5977, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, 15th Legislative District. The legislation would require the public release of child near fatality review reports conducted by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 47–0 and now heads to...
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February 10, 2026
Matt Boehnke

PODCAST: The Mighty 8th Podcast Ep. 1 | Sen. Matt Boehnke on Kennewick LRA fight and the income tax push

Welcome to the first episode of The Mighty 8th Podcast, coming to you from Olympia and focused on giving the 8th District a strong voice in state government. Sen. Matt Boehnke joins the show to discuss two of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the 8th Legislative District and communities across Washington. The conversation...
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February 09, 2026
Nikki Torres

NEWS: Sen. Nikki Torres honors Seattle Seahawks following historic Super Bowl championship season

OLYMPIA — Sen. Nikki Torres today sponsored Senate Resolution 8683 honoring the Seattle Seahawks for their historic 2025 National Football League season, culminating in a Super Bowl LX championship and one of the most successful campaigns in franchise history. The resolution is scheduled to be read on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The...
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