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

November 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

Washington State Legislative Letter of Support, Rural Health Transformation

The Honorable Dr. Mehmet Oz CMS Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 200 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20201 Dear Administrator Oz, We submit this letter in strong support of Washington State’s application for funding under the CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative [CMS-RHT-26-001] and urge your approval of the maximum amount of allowable...
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October 30, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Keep Washington building, says Boehnke, through support for manufacturers, more trade and less red tape

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature OLYMPIA… Although employment in Washington’s manufacturing sector is already forecast to increase over the next several years, Sen. Matt Boehnke thinks big growth is possible if lawmakers and government regulators would understand and focus on the needs of manufacturers. “Manufacturing is how Washington builds the middle class,” said...
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October 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?

Sen. John Braun unpacks the affordability crisis in Washington—from groceries to housing to Medicaid. He explores priorities, long-term costs, and what lawmakers must do to keep essential services sustainable. TRANSCRIPT
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October 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Braun on Race-Based Housing Scandal on KVI Radio

Sen. John Braun joins KVI’s Morning Ride to discuss an investigation into alleged misuse of taxpayer funds tied to a race-restricted homeownership program.
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October 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Braun: Corruption in race-based homeownership program exploits taxpayers, undermines public trust

The state Senate Republican leader is demanding a full investigation into taxpayer money tied to a race-restricted housing program. Tracy Ellis reports.
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October 23, 2025
Keith Goehner

Sen. Goehner: Farmers don’t need more government programs, they need fewer barriers

Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, speaks with constituents in Carnation earlier in the day before the October 11 meeting with the governor/Credit: Eric LaFontaine OLYMPIA… State government can help make the future brighter for Washington agriculture by taking more of a practical, hands-off approach, says Sen. Keith Goehner, who took part in a roundtable discussion in...
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October 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Green Hill scandal ‘a systemic failure,’ demands accountability, transparency, reform

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun is demanding action after reports of staff recording sexual acts with inmates at Green Hill School. Tracy Ellis reports.
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October 21, 2025
John Braun

STATEMENT: Another Green Hill scandal a continuation of ‘systemic failure’

WATCH KING TV’S REPORT   CENTRALIA — Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to reports that staff at Green Hill School in Chehalis recorded sexual acts with inmates in custody: “The reports coming out of Green Hill School are appalling. Instead of rehabilitating inmates housed at the facility,...
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October 16, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Housing Gridlock: What’s Driving Washington’s Crisis?

Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon join builder Kurt Wilson to unpack why housing is unaffordable and scarce in Washington—from rent control to red tape—and what Republicans say must change to get homes built and prices down. TRANSCRIPT Please share with your network. The more voices in the conversation, the closer we get to real...
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October 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Curtis King talks paid family leave on KVI’s Morning Ride

Sen. Curtis King argues the paid leave program is financially unsustainable and unfair to workers, especially lower-income earners. He opposes raising premiums and instead supports reducing benefits and tightening eligibility to control costs.
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October 09, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Taxed to the Brink—Washington’s Budget Spiral

Sen. John Braun warns of a $1B deficit, rising lawsuit payouts, and new taxes. He blames overspending and mismanagement, urging a shift from tax-first policies to smarter budgeting and economic growth. [TRANSCRIPT]
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October 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Attacks on signature gatherers prompt new bill from Sen. Jeff Wilson

A state senator wants to stop the increasing attacks on signature gatherers involved in initiatives and referendums, from heated arguments to physical clashes. Tracy Ellis has more.
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