Leadership Blog

In the News

The Cost of Crime: Unpacking Washington State’s Organized Retail Theft Crisis

Published on August 27, 2026
Hosted by Senator Chris Gildon, this episode of The Elephant in the Dome features Washington Retail Association guests Jan Himebaugh and Crystal Leatherman. Together, they explore Washington’s escalating organized retail crime crisis, examine its connection to broader illegal networks, and discuss actionable solutions to rebuild accountability. TRANSCRIPT
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Decoding 340B: The $81 Billion Drug Discount Program Explained | The Elephant in the Dome

Published on July 30, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon hosts Senator Ron Muzzall the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee. They break down the complex 340B Drug Pricing Program—a federal initiative designed to help safety-net health clinics and hospitals acquire discounted prescription medication for low-income patients. They discuss...
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AUDIO: Democrats’ spending draws warning from business leader: ‘It’s time to wake up’

Published on July 24, 2026
Washington business leaders are sounding the alarm on state spending — and it’s not just Republicans. Tracy Ellis explains. Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke — a lifelong Democrat — is urging lawmakers to ‘wake up’ as spending nears 80 billion dollars. State Senator Chris Gildon notes that Leiweke joins two former Democratic governors and other critics...
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Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Ferguson’s Gas Crisis, Shaky Budgets, America @ 250 w/Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on July 01, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon pulls back the curtain on the real issues facing Washington. From the controversial impacts of the Climate Commitment Act on gas prices and utility bills to a deep dive into Olympia’s looming budget shortfall, Sen. Gildon breaks down the numbers that the majority...
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The Crisis of Washington’s “Keeping Families Together Act” | Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Published on June 17, 2026
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon sits down with foster parent and healthcare professional Tracie Jefferson. They dive deep into the devastating, unintended consequences of Washington State’s “Keeping Families Together Act,” examining how its high removal thresholds and systemic issues impact vulnerable children. TRANSCRIPT
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News

February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KOZI: Sen. Shelly Short Warns Against Income Tax, Pushes Insurance Reform

On KOZI, Sen. Shelly Short discusses the proposed income tax, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to small businesses. She highlighted concerns over affordability and state spending priorities. Short also addressed rising property insurance costs, advocating for transparency and wildfire risk reduction. She urged constituents to stay engaged and share feedback.
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February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republicans issue reality check on income-tax proposal

Majority Democrats in Olympia unveiled their much-anticipated bill to impose a state income tax. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 03, 2026
Ron Muzzall

NEWS: Sen. Ron Muzzall’s bill cracking down on reckless driving moves forward in Senate

OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall to crack down on reckless driving and make Washington roads safer continues to advance through the legislative process, and was highlighted in the governor’s State of the State address. Senate Bill 5890 would expand negligent driving in the first degree to include cases where a driver is...
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February 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Republicans issue reality check on income-tax proposal

An income tax on anyone will become an income tax on everyone   OLYMPIA…Majority Democrats in Olympia today dropped a bill to impose an income tax in Washington state, ignoring that the people of Washington have rejected similar unconstitutional income taxes 10 times. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, and House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary,...
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February 02, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate adopts resolution honoring 2025 Seattle Mariners and Cal Raleigh

The state Senate honored the Seattle Mariners for their historic 2025 season and catcher Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking year. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 02, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

ALERT: Listening sessions for the two initiatives before the Legislature

On Tuesday, February 3, Senate and House Republicans are hosting two listening sessions on the two citizen-initiatives that have been submitted to the Legislature this year. While it is the Legislature’s constitutional duty to prioritize initiatives above all other business, majority Democrats refuse to allow a hearing on either proposal. This shuts down any opportunity...
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February 02, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. John Braun Slams Washington’s “No-Mask” Law for Federal Agents on the Lars Larson Show

Senate Republican Leader John Braun calls out Washington’s new ban on law enforcement masks on The Lars Larson Show, arguing it endangers federal officers and their families. Braun warns of skyrocketing harassment, doxing, and unsafe confrontations, criticizing Democrats for prioritizing politics over public safety.
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February 02, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Protecting our neighborhoods as LRA placements are proposed

First, I want to thank the families and community members who joined us last Monday night in Kennewick for the town hall on the proposed less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement. I was encouraged by the strong turnout and deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to show up, ask questions, and share personal concerns. When...
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February 02, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: 7th District Legislators Discuss Initiatives, Wildlife, and Wildfire Preparedness

Join Senator Shelly Short and Representative Hunter Abell on Okanogan Country Radio for an in-depth conversation about key issues shaping Washington’s legislative session. From the controversy over initiatives to the legislature—including the Parents’ Bill of Rights and girls’ sports fairness—to efforts addressing declining wildlife populations and wildfire prevention funding, this episode covers what matters most...
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February 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson – Legislative Update – Celebrating America’s 250th & Washington’s Evergreen Identity

Senator Jeff Wilson shares exciting news about Washington’s official designation as the “Evergreen State” and his role with America 250. With the Senate’s unanimous approval, the Evergreen State bill now heads to the House. Wilson highlights plans for the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration, emphasizing pride in Washington’s heritage and unity under “one nation under God.”
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February 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Shelly Short – Legislative Update – Housing Costs and Cultural Review: A Legislative Concern

Senator Shelly Short warns about a bill that could significantly raise housing costs by requiring cultural resource reviews for projects previously exempt, like single-family homes. She explains the financial burden and delays this could impose on homeowners, while stressing respect for Native heritage and advocating for a better process that balances preservation with affordability.
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February 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. John Braun – Legislative Update – Initiatives on Parental Rights and Fairness in Sports: What’s Next?

Senator John Braun discusses two recently certified citizen initiatives: restoring parental rights in education and prohibiting biological males from competing in girls’ sports. He emphasizes fairness, safety, and constitutional priorities, criticizing the Democrat’s refusal to hold hearings.
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