Leadership Blog

In the News

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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VIDEO: Senator Jeff Wilson on Longview tank explosion

Published on June 04, 2026
KIRO 7: Longview leaders react to no regulatory inspections of white liquor tanks KOIN 6: Longview community’s future discussed by Senator Jeff Wilson
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AUDIO: As summer heat looms, Warnick pushes for wildfire insurance transparency and central Washington water security

Published on June 03, 2026
With the summer heat kicking in, Central Washington is bracing for drought—but a state senator says water is only half the battle. Tracy Ellis explains.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Is Washington Misdiagnosing the Homeless Crisis? | Jonathan Choe & Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on June 03, 2026
Is housing really the solution to Washington’s homelessness crisis? Senator Chris Gildon and investigative journalist Jonathan Choe discuss why “Housing First” models are failing. They explore the impact of fentanyl, the lack of taxpayer accountability, and why treating addiction as a mental illness is the only way forward for Washington state. Transcript: The Elephant in...
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News

May 27, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson on the Longview Paper Mill Disaster

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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May 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome podcast

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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May 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Status report on the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River

Those who live in Southwest Washington know all too well that the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Columbia River at Vancouver needs to be replaced. In truth, it has needed replacement for years. When lawmakers debated a new bridge 13 years ago, the estimated cost was $3.5 billion. Today, that estimate has ballooned to $14.4...
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April 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

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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April 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

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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April 30, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Staying connected, AI oversight, and strengthening our energy future

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we move further into the year, you will not receive additional updates from my legislative office. Election-year restrictions limit certain communications and require a clear line between official legislative work and campaign activity. This will be the last formal update until after the November election. That doesn’t change who I...
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April 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KTTH’s Jason Rantz Show: MacEwen Calls for Special Session Over State Energy Crisis

State Senator Drew MacEwen joins Jason Rantz to discuss the urgent need for a special session to address rising utility and gas costs. MacEwen argues that current state policies are failing families and calls for immediate legislative action to provide relief and reassess Washington’s long-term fiscal health.
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April 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Schoesler asks if Ferguson is following “spirit of law” with PDC appointments

Is the state’s campaign-finance watchdog losing its balance? Tracy Ellis reports.
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April 25, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Town hall recap, newsletter, and transportation update for the 8th District

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Thank you to everyone who came out to our recent 8th District town hall. I appreciate you taking the time to be there, ask questions, and stay engaged. We covered a lot — some of it easy, some of it not. I appreciated hearing directly from you about the pressures you’re...
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April 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO/VIDEO: MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Washington’s energy rates were once among the lowest in the nation, but a state senator says Democrat policies are turning them into a ‘financial catastrophe.’ Tracy Ellis reports. FOR MORE FROM SENATOR MACEWEN ON THIS TOPIC, CHECK OUT HIS YouTube SHORT:  
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April 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Today State Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, issued a formal demand for an immediate special session of the Washington State Legislature to address the compounding effects of skyrocketing fuel prices, hidden utility taxes, and looming double-digit electricity rate hikes. MacEwen is calling on Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Legislature’s Democratic majority to stop ignoring the financial...
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April 24, 2026
Drew MacEwen

MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Today State Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, issued a formal demand for an immediate special session of the Washington State Legislature to address the compounding effects of skyrocketing fuel prices, hidden utility taxes, and looming double-digit electricity rate hikes. MacEwen is calling on Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Legislature’s Democratic majority to stop ignoring the financial...
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