Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Short Opposes Sheriff Oversight Bill

Published on February 13, 2026
Senator Shelly Short strongly criticized a bill allowing an unelected commission to determine if elected sheriffs are qualified. She argued this undermines constitutional principles and local representation, warning against bureaucratic overreach that could erode community trust and voter rights in law enforcement leadership.
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Wilson Warns of Local Control Loss

Published on February 13, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson condemned Senate Bill 5974, which shifts authority over sheriffs from voters to an unelected board. He highlighted Pacific County as the first likely impacted, calling the measure an “ugly bill” that disregards the will of voters and threatens democratic accountability in policing.
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Braun Criticizes Sheriff Decertification Plan

Published on February 13, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun opposes legislation enabling a governor-appointed commission to remove elected sheriffs. He emphasizes existing recall and election processes already safeguard accountability, arguing the proposal oversteps constitutional protections and undermines voters’ rights to choose their law enforcement leaders every four years.
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AUDIO: KPQ: Senator Keith Goehner on Key Issues

Published on February 12, 2026
On KPQ, Senator Keith Goehner says an income tax proposal has no guarantee that funds will go to education. He’s concerned over a bill that would let an unelected board remove elected sheriffs. He says expanded powers for the Attorney General raises questions about overreach and impacts on small businesses. He continues to work to...
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Sen. Mark Schoesler: “Never” on State Income Tax

Published on February 12, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler speaks out from Olympia as the proposed state income tax moves forward. He reaffirms his long-standing promise to oppose an income tax, explaining why he believes it misleads the public and fails to guarantee funding for health care, K-12 education, or higher education.
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News from the Caucus

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 09, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: 7th District Legislators Discuss Tax Battles, Parents’ Rights & Rural Priorities

Senator Shelly Short and Representative Andrew Engell discuss income tax proposals, parents’ rights initiatives, crime concerns, and rural issues on “Live from Olympia” on Okanogan Country Radio. Hear insights on legislative deadlines, wildfire funding, hunting access, and bills shaping Washington’s future.
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Tax Proposals, Citizen Engagement, and Controversial Initiatives on KPQ Radio

Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick cover the proposed income tax legislation, the first bill cutoff and upcoming floor debates. They also highlight growing public involvement in state government, sharing details about listening sessions on voter-backed initiatives addressing fairness in girls’ sports and privacy concerns. They stress the importance of citizen voices in shaping policy...
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson addresses the new income tax bill, cautioning that while it targets million-dollar incomes now, thresholds could drop to affect middle-class families. Wilson emphasizes Washington’s history of rejecting income taxes and urges vigilance against what he calls “an income tax on the loose.”
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses the Democrats’ income tax proposal that he was warned would come after the capital gains tax passed. Schoesler questions promises of tax relief, criticizes token sales tax exemptions like toothpaste and suntan lotion, and warns taxpayers about future tax hikes and broken pledges.
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Democrats introducing an income tax bill. Braun highlights the state’s constitutional precedent against income taxes, past voter rejections, and why he sees the proposal as a “money grab” with minimal tax relief for working families.
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February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax...
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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 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

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
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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