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

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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January 28, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate votes yet again to nickname Washington ‘the Evergreen State’

After 133 years, Washington may soon officially become the Evergreen State. Tracy Ellis explains.
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January 28, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate passes Warnick bill to designate official state cactus

The Columbia Plateau cactus is on its way to becoming Washington’s official state cactus. Tracy Ellis has more.
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January 28, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Legislative update from Olympia

The 2026 legislative session is well underway, and work is moving quickly in Olympia. As key decisions begin to take shape, I want to keep you informed about what’s happening at the Capitol, what I’m working on, and how the priorities of the 8th Legislative District are guiding my work. The 8th District is home...
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January 27, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 35th District lawmakers fight job-killing DOH fee hikes that could top 500%, crush local shellfish industry

Lawmakers are sounding the alarm over a proposed shellfish fee hike that could soar by 500 percent or more. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 27, 2026
Phil Fortunato

Fast-tracking the Fairfax Bridge and why an income tax hurts Washington

  In this legislative update video, Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, explains why fast-tracking the Fairfax Bridge replacement is critical for communities in the 31st Legislative District and access to Mount Rainier. Fortunato outlines his push to move the project to a design-build process — a step that could shave a year or more off construction...
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January 27, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KOZI Radio: Legislative Update with Sen. Keith Goehner: Taxes, Public Safety, and Community Engagement

Senator Keith Goehner joins KOZI Radio to discuss key issues in the current legislative session, including proposed income tax changes, transportation funding concerns, homelessness strategies, public safety bills, and initiatives affecting citizen rights. He also touched on emerging topics like AI and child safety, urging constituents to stay engaged and provide feedback.
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January 26, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: Legislative Updates with Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell & Hunter Abell

Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell share updates on key issues impacting Washington’s Seventh Legislative District—from wildfire funding and rural hospital challenges to wildlife management, tax proposals, and the latest on citizen initiatives.
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January 26, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Judy Warnick calls for public hearing on women’s sports initiative

A statewide initiative aimed at clarifying who can compete in girls’ sports is now in the Legislature’s hands. Tracy Ellis reports
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January 26, 2026
Judy Warnick

Sen. Judy Warnick calls for public hearing on women’s sports initiative

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick is urging the Legislature to hold a public hearing on Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, a certified initiative addressing participation standards in interscholastic sports, saying it should move through the normal legislative process and be openly vetted. “This initiative was signed by hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians and certified by the...
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January 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Torres bill targets dangerous roadways with new crash prevention zones

Lives lost on dangerous roads pushes a state Senator to act. Tracy Ellis reports.  
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January 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson Warns Against “Initiative Killer” on The Ari Hoffman Show

Senator Jeff Wilson joined KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show to sound the alarm on a proposal that would make Washington’s initiative process harder. The plan adds new hurdles like requiring 1,000 signatures before starting, extra verification steps, and restrictions on paid signature gatherers—moves Wilson says will silence voters and gut direct democracy. He calls fraud claims...
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