Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Live From Olympia: Legislative Session Wrap‑Up with Sen. Short and Rep. Abell

Published on March 09, 2026
This end‑of‑session discussion with Senator Shelly Short and Representative Hunter Abell covers bill negotiations, budget battles, income‑tax controversy, rural policy impacts, and legislative drama behind the scenes. They address constituent questions, oversight concerns, and key victories while previewing the final days of Washington’s 2026 legislative session.
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AUDIO: House approves Sen. Nikki Torres bill establishing crash prevention zones to address dangerous highways

Published on March 09, 2026
Special crash-prevention zones could soon be created on Washington roads with high numbers of serious crashes. Tracy Ellis explains.
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AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson Highlights Kit Home Legislation in his legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson discusses the passage of his kit‑home bill aimed at improving housing affordability in Washington. He explains how kit homes offer an additional, cost‑effective housing option for families, including ADUs. Wilson emphasizes their long history, ease of assembly, and potential to expand accessible housing choices.
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AUDIO: Conversation with Governor: Braun Discusses Child Safety and Legislative Gridlock in this legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun describes his recent meeting with the governor. Braun raises concerns about rising fentanyl‑related child deaths and stalled child‑protection bills in the Legislature. He notes bipartisan Senate support for action but says key House committee members are blocking progress.
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AUDIO: The connection between budget risks and income tax uncertainty: Sen. Schoesler’s legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler outlines concerns about the state’s proposed income tax and the significant differences between budget plans in the Legislature. He warns that relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic growth assumptions, and a likely court challenge creates serious long‑term fiscal risk, leaving future lawmakers accountable for today’s decisions.
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News

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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February 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson – Legislative Update – Celebrating America’s 250th & Washington’s Evergreen Identity

Senator Jeff Wilson shares exciting news about Washington’s official designation as the “Evergreen State” and his role with America 250. With the Senate’s unanimous approval, the Evergreen State bill now heads to the House. Wilson highlights plans for the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration, emphasizing pride in Washington’s heritage and unity under “one nation under God.”
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February 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Shelly Short – Legislative Update – Housing Costs and Cultural Review: A Legislative Concern

Senator Shelly Short warns about a bill that could significantly raise housing costs by requiring cultural resource reviews for projects previously exempt, like single-family homes. She explains the financial burden and delays this could impose on homeowners, while stressing respect for Native heritage and advocating for a better process that balances preservation with affordability.
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February 01, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. John Braun – Legislative Update – Initiatives on Parental Rights and Fairness in Sports: What’s Next?

Senator John Braun discusses two recently certified citizen initiatives: restoring parental rights in education and prohibiting biological males from competing in girls’ sports. He emphasizes fairness, safety, and constitutional priorities, criticizing the Democrat’s refusal to hold hearings.
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January 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Nikki Torres introduces bill to exempt baby and adult diapers from sales tax

A state senator is pushing for a permanent tax break on a basic necessity: diapers. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 9TH Dist. Legislative Update: Sen. Schoesler Warns of Payroll Tax Storm: Huge Liability Looms

In his latest legislative update, Sen. Mark Schoesler raises alarms over three payroll-tax-funded programs he calls unsustainable: unemployment insurance, paid family medical leave, and industrial insurance. With skyrocketing tax rates, program abuses, and a staggering unfunded liability, Schoesler urges urgent reforms to protect employers, employees, and taxpayers from looming financial disaster. Efficiency, he says, is...
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January 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—The People’s Voice in Olympia: Parental Rights & Fair Play in Girls’ Sports

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Caucus Chair Judy Warnick to discuss two citizen-driven initiatives shaping Washington’s legislative agenda: IL26-638 – Protecting fairness and safety in girls’ sports, and IL26-001 – Restoring the Parents’ Bill of Rights. We dive into why these...
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January 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Talks Masks, DUI Laws, and Ag Challenges on KPQ Legislative Hotline

On KPQ Radio, 12th District Senator Keith Goehner shares his concerns about reactionary legislation and its impact on Washington residents. From opposing a bill banning law enforcement face coverings to questioning the effectiveness of lowering the DUI threshold without stronger enforcement, Goehner emphasizes practical solutions over political optics. He also highlights looming challenges for agriculture,...
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January 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Boehnke advances public safety package to tighten restrictions on sexually violent predator placements

Washington lawmakers are moving to close dangerous gaps in how the state places sexually violent predators in communities. Kelley Payne reports.
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