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

January 22, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Fortunato bill for rapid replacement of Fairfax Bridge gets a hearing

A failed bridge on the road to Mount Rainier needs urgent replacement, according to a state senator. Kelley Payne tells us a proposal to fast-track the emergency replacement of the Fairfax Bridge gets a Senate Transportation Committee hearing next week.
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January 22, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Is the fourth time a charm? Commonsense child safety bill passes Senate…again

How many chances does it take to protect kids from fentanyl? That’s the question in Olympia as the State Senate once again passes a child safety bill aimed at preventing deadly overdoses. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 22, 2026
Phil Fortunato

Fortunato bill for rapid replacement of Fairfax Bridge gets a hearing

OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato to fast-track the emergency replacement of the Fairfax Bridge will receive a public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Senate Bill 5987 is in response to the closure of the Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165, which cut off access to parts of...
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January 21, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senator Jeff Wilson Talks Local Control, Sea Lion Management, and Tax Concerns on Timber Country 94.7

On Timber Country 94.7, Senator Jeff Wilson shares his views on key issues impacting Washington residents. He discusses the controversial Senate Bill 5974 and its implications for local sheriffs, questions the state’s sanctuary policies, and highlights his efforts to manage sea lion populations threatening fisheries. Wilson also addresses electric vehicle charging perks at state facilities,...
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January 21, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Wilson kit home bill passes Senate unanimously

State legislators are taking another swing at solving Washington’s housing crunch. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Wagoner Discusses Flood Recovery, Farm Struggles, and Legislative Challenges on KGMI Radio

In this KGMI interview, Sen. Keith Wagoner shares insights on Olympia’s 2026 session, addressing flood recovery efforts, Washington farmers’ economic struggles, and controversial law enforcement bills. He also highlights budget concerns and the need for policy changes to support rural communities.
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January 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Critics blast new ‘Initiative Killer’ bill advancing in Washington Legislature

A battle over Washington’s initiative process at the State Capitol. Tracy Ellis has the latest on the so-called “Initiative Killer” bill.
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January 20, 2026
Ron Muzzall

NEWS: Sen. Ron Muzzall moves to fix audit access gap blocking oversight

OLYMPIA — Sen. Ron Muzzall has introduced Senate Bill 6266 to restore and clarify the authority of the Washington State Auditor to access records necessary to conduct authorized audits of state agencies and programs, including records that are confidential by law. The bill is aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring the State Auditor can fully...
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January 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: Key Legislative Updates from Washington’s 7th District

Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell break down the first week of Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Topics include wildlife management bills, tax proposals, housing and childcare challenges, and the Climate Commitment Act’s impact on gas prices. Also, what’s ahead for agriculture, transportation, and economic policy in Washington State.
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January 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Braun bill aims to protect housing grant program from fraud

State taxpayer dollars meant to help people of color buy homes may have gone to insiders instead. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 19, 2026
Judy Warnick

Washington State Senate adopts resolution observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Sen. Judy Warnick/R-Moses Lake/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Today the Washington State Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 8661, officially recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reaffirming the Legislature’s dedication to justice, equity, and human dignity. The resolution honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing his teaching that progress requires clarity of purpose,...
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Sen. Chris Gildon’s Legislative Update — Jan. 12, 2026

Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, reports from the state Capitol on the opening of the 2026 legislative session and the important decisions facing lawmakers.
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