Leadership Blog

In the News

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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AUDIO: Governor should explain why temporary gas-price relief isn’t worth considering

Published on June 02, 2026
A state Senator says families deserve an honest talk about why Washington gas prices are some of the highest in America. Tracy Ellis explains.
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News

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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February 01, 2026
Matt Boehnke

VIDEO: Sen. Matt Boehnke puts community safety first in Kennewick LRA discussion

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, shares a legislative update on ongoing efforts to address the proposed less-restrictive alternative (LRA) housing placement in Kennewick. From Olympia, he discusses how community input, town hall feedback, and constituent concerns are shaping legislation to protect families, children, and neighborhoods while ensuring public safety across the Tri-Cities and Washington state.
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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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January 29, 2026
Matt Boehnke

NEWS: Boehnke, Torres advance public safety package to tighten restrictions on sexually violent predator placements

OLYMPIA — Sen. Matt Boehnke and Sen. Nikki Torres have introduced a comprehensive package of legislation to close dangerous gaps in Washington’s handling of less restrictive alternative (LRA) placements for sexually violent predators, prioritizing the safety of families, neighborhoods, and children across the state. “These are not abstract policy debates; they affect real neighborhoods, real...
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January 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously passes Wagoner bill to strengthen consequences for unlawful firearm possession

State senators send a clear message on firearm safety. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 29, 2026
Nikki Torres

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

OLYMPIA—Sen. Nikki Torres has introduced legislation to provide a permanent sales and use tax exemption for baby and adult diapers, delivering direct tax relief for families and caregivers facing everyday costs, including those caring for elderly loved ones. “There’s a lot of talk in Olympia about raising taxes, but not nearly enough about tax breaks,”...
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January 29, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. John Braun with KVI’s Ari Hoffman on Protecting Kids from Fentanyl and Fighting New Taxes

In this KVI interview with Ari Hoffman, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses two critical issues facing Washington: public safety and economic stability. Braun explains his push for legislation to hold parents accountable when children are endangered by exposure to fentanyl and other controlled substances. He also addresses growing concerns over proposed new taxes—including a...
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