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...
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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.
Read More

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...
Read More

News

March 04, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability

Republican lawmakers in Olympia discuss key legislative priorities. Topics include public safety funding, tax proposals, budget concerns, and controversial bills on rent control, gun laws, and reproductive rights and gender affirming care. They oppose tax increases and the use of the rainy-day fund. Spirited debates are expected ahead.
Read More
March 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Budget Battles & Big Decisions – Senators Braun & Gildon Weigh In

Republican Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon break down Washington’s budget debate, tackling spending concerns, new taxes, and the state’s $6.7B shortfall. Can lawmakers solve it without raising costs for families? Get the inside scoop on fiscal responsibility in Olympia!
Read More
March 01, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Republican Leadership Update with State Senator John Braun

Senator John Braun gives a legislative update, highlighting the budget process as it heats up. With key decisions looming, Republicans are pushing to control spending without new taxes, aiming to keep costs down while ensuring essential services for Washingtonians.
Read More
February 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Wagoner removes anti parent provision from bill to protect kids online

An anti-parent provision in a bill designed to protect kids online is no longer part of the legislation – thanks to a state Senator. Tracy Ellis explains
Read More
February 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO—TVW—The Impact—Road Usage Charge in Focus with Sen. Curtis King

An in-depth look at the proposed road usage charge to tax drivers by the mile, pitched as an eventual fuel tax replacement. Interviews with the Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Transportation Committee, Sen. Curtis King and the Democratic House Transportation Committee Chair.
Read More
February 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republican budget leader welcomes Ferguson’s savings suggestions

Gov. Bob Ferguson released his cost-cutting ideas, and Senate Republican budget leader Chris Gildon is giving credit—with some skepticism. Tracy Ellis explains.
Read More
February 26, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

SRC On-Air—KVI—Ari Hoffman—State’s budget shortfall another example of Democrats using scare tactics to justify unnecessary tax increases

Senator Chris Gildon reveals that the real deficit is around $6.7 billion—far lower than the $12–16 billion figure Democrats are pushing. The inflated number comes from overspending, including Governor Inslee’s reckless $4 billion in state employee raises without a real feasibility study. Meanwhile, Democrats refuse to consider cuts to wasteful programs, instead insisting on raising...
Read More
February 25, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability

Republican lawmakers hold a media availability to discuss key legislative priorities. They focus on public safety, affordability, and education, raising concerns over new tax proposals and state budget shortfalls. They also oppose bills on parental rights and initiatives, arguing they limit parent and citizen participation. With fiscal deadlines approaching, Republicans emphasized their commitment to responsible...
Read More
February 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Wagoner critical of Democrats for weakening emergency powers reform

Did Washington’s emergency powers reform just get watered down? The state senator leading the charge says yes. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
February 20, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Emergency powers, the mileage tax and more

CORRECTION: The original version of this Newsflash incorrectly quoted the proposed mileage tax at 26 cents per mile. The correct tax rate per mile is 2.6 cents per mile. The article below has been corrected to reflect the 2.6 cent rate.   IN THE NEWS: Emergency powers reform During the pandemic, former Gov. Jay Inslee...
Read More
February 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: FOX 13: WA Gov. Ferguson advocates for Sen. Wagoner proposal limiting governor’s emergency powers

Prime sponsor state Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley) said the governor should have strong authority to immediately handle an emergency, but the legislature should be able to check that power.
Read More
February 18, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability | Key Issues & Policy Debates

Washington State Republican legislative leaders hold a media availability session, addressing key policy issues, budget concerns, and legislative priorities. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary, and other GOP lawmakers discuss public safety, tax proposals, education funding, and housing legislation. They also share their perspectives on ongoing debates with the Democratic majority...
Read More
1
...
16 17 18 19
20
21 22 23 24
...
29