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

April 08, 2024
John Braun

Sen. Braun on Sen. Rivers’ decision not to seek reelection: ‘We will deeply miss her leadership and service’

CENTRALIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun offered this response to today’s announcement by Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, that she will not be seeking a new term as the 18th Legislative District’s state senator: “Having served with Senator Rivers for more than a decade, from a neighboring district, I know how hard she has worked...
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April 08, 2024
John Braun

Braun: Retiring Sen. Mike Padden Legislature’s strongest advocate of public safety

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following sentiments after an announcement by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, saying he will not seek reelection to the 4th District Senate seat he has held since 2011. Sen. Padden is currently the lead Republican on the Senate Law & Justice Committee. He was previously the chair...
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April 05, 2024
Chris Gildon

Rely on natural gas? WA lawmakers don’t care. The state’s ‘phaseout’ will cost you

The following op-ed was published in the The (Tacoma) News Tribune April 5, 2024. Opinion By Sen. Chris Gildon Did the Washington Legislature just pass a ban on natural gas that will force about 900,000 Puget Sound area customers to convert from gas to electric? That is the topic of much debate these days, and...
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April 03, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

Braun: Retiring Sen. Mike Padden Legislature’s strongest advocate of public safety

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following sentiments after an announcement by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, saying he will not seek reelection to the 4th District Senate seat he has held since 2011. Sen. Padden is currently the lead Republican on the Senate Law & Justice Committee. He was previously the chair...
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March 28, 2024
Chris Gildon

Consumers will pay billions under law to phase out natural gas, Gildon says

OLYMPIA – A bill signed into law Thursday by Gov. Jay Inslee will force billions of dollars in new costs onto homeowners, renters and businesses, says Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup. “Make no mistake about it – this law sets the stage for a natural gas ban in the central Puget Sound area,” Gildon said. “As...
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March 07, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: TVW: 2024 Impact Sine Die Special – Sen. John Braun

On the final day of the 2024 Legislative Session, Mike McClanahan, host of The Impact, interviews Sen. John Braun.
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March 07, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: TVW: 2024 Impact Sine Die Special – Sen Lynda Wilson

On the final day of the 2024 Legislative Session, Mike McClanahan, host of The Impact, interviews Sen. Lynda Wilson.
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March 07, 2024
Chris Gildon

Senators mystified by cut in drug task force funding; lawmakers approve other Republican fentanyl proposals

  OLYMPIA – Two Republican bills addressing Washington’s fentanyl crisis are headed to the governor’s office for final consideration, but senators say they are surprised by a cutback in this year’s budget for local law enforcement drug task forces. Senate Republicans offered proposals this year to combat the spread of deadly fentanyl this year in...
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March 06, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Senate Republican Leader John Braun on three initiatives heading to voters

Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about the policies behind three initiatives to the Legislature that majority Democrats ignored during the session and will appear on the November ballot.
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March 05, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability

State Legislative Republicans – Sens. John Braun and Matt Boehnke and Reps. Drew Stokesbary and Mike Steele – hold a weekly media availability to discuss the very latest in the 2024 legislative session.
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March 02, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislation hastens utility’s ability to ban natural gas

Expect to pay more to heat your home in the future as the state Legislature hands Washington’s largest private utility a gift. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 29, 2024
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability

State Legislative Republicans – Sens. John Braun and Mike Padden and Reps. Drew Stokesbary and Jacquelin Maycumber – hold a weekly media availability to discuss the very latest in the 2024 legislative session.
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