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

September 23, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Leading the charge with the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate I’m honored to participate in the Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference this September, joining fellow policymakers as a featured speaker in the “Leading from the Legislature: Hydrogen Policy Champions” session. The Renewable Hydrogen Alliance is a respected coalition advocating for renewable hydrogen, emissions-free fuel produced by splitting...
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September 23, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Clearing the skies as a champion of sustainable aviation fuels

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate As part of my ongoing efforts in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I’ve been actively supporting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are a critical tool for both environmental stewardship and economic growth across Washington. Earlier this year, I co-sponsored ESSB 5447, which was signed...
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September 18, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: AWB 2025 Policy Summit: Washington Budget Outlook, featuring Sen. Chris Gildon

Washington’s budget outlook is grim: spending surged, reserves dwindled, and tax hikes hit families and businesses. Republicans urge fiscal restraint, program audits, and no new taxes.
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September 11, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Washington’s labor policies—from public union influence to wage mandates—arguing for worker-first reforms rooted in conservative principles without the progressive spin. [TRANSCRIPT]  
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September 05, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Schoesler opposes possible release of Kevin Coe, Spokane’s ‘South Hill Rapist’

A state senator is outraged that Washington might let the ‘South Hill Rapist’ walk free. Tracy Ellis reports.
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August 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington

Senator John Braun discusses fairness in girls’ sports, Kroger store closures tied to regulations and theft, and the need for responsible forest management to protect public lands and rural economies in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
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August 12, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: It’s the Economy: Housing, Tech, & Taxes in Turbulent Times

Senator John Braun unpacks Washington’s economic challenges—from housing shortages and tech industry tensions to energy concerns and historic tax hikes. What’s driving the downturn, and what can be done? ‘It’s the economy stupid’ in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome Podcast. [TRANSCRIPT]
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July 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Hair-on-Fire” Politics: Sen. Braun Slams Medicaid Fearmongering & Budget Bloat on Lars Larson Show

Sen. John Braun joins The Lars Larson Show to explain Medicaid reforms and critique Washington’s budget, healthcare taxes, and carbon program—calling for accountability and an end to political fearmongering.
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July 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Accountability & Reform: Medicaid, Car Thefts, and Juvenile Justice

Senator John Braun breaks down evolving questions around Medicaid changes, celebrates steep drops in auto thefts, and confronts serious concerns at Green Hill’s juvenile facility in this candid episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
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July 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: KING 5: Drug-smuggling scandal rocks Green Hill School—Sen. John Braun calls out systemic failure

Drug-filled Burrito Delivery – Corruption at Green Hill School sparks outrage as Sen. John Braun slams the facility’s failure to rehabilitate youth, citing misconduct, drug smuggling, and overcrowding. Full KING 5 report  
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July 16, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Boehnke joins Western Energy Caucus and international delegation to Denmark

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick (4th from the left) with the Western Energy Caucus in Denmark. Photo courtesy of the Western Energy Caucus. This June, I  joined an elite bipartisan group of lawmakers from across the western United States to help launch the new Western Energy Caucus (WEC)—a regional initiative focused on advancing practical, forward-looking energy...
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July 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Accountability Over Fear: Sen. Braun Breaks Down the “Big Beautiful Bill” on KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show

Sen. John Braun joins Ari Hoffman to explain how the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” benefits Washington—highlighting Medicaid reforms, tax relief, and ag support—while calling out political fearmongering and overspending by state Democrats.
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