When legislators return to Olympia next month, state Sen. John Braun, a Republican from Centralia, will remain his party’s top lawmaker in the Senate chamber.
On Tuesday, Senate Republicans announced their 2025 legislative leadership team, with Braun’s fellow Republicans once again electing him as their leader. First elected in 2012 to represent the 20th District, which includes most of Lewis and Cowlitz counties and parts of Thurston and Clark counties, Braun was elected to serve as the Senate minority leader in 2020.
“I’m pleased that our leadership team remains strong. We’re lucky to have such a dedicated group of legislators leading the effort to hold the majority accountable,” Braun said in a statement. “We will reach across the aisle to make Washington safer and more affordable, and to improve the educational outcomes for our students.”
In addition to Braun, the Senate Republicans several other leadership positions on Tuesday, including:
• Caucus Chair: Sen. Judy Warnick, Ellensburg
• Floor Leader: Sen. Shelly Short, Addy
• Whip: Sen. Keith Wagoner, Sedro Woolley
• Deputy Leader: Sen. Drew MacEwen, Shelton
• Deputy Caucus Chair: Sen. Ron Muzzall, Oak Harbor
• Deputy Floor Leader: Sen. Nikki Torres, Pasco
• Deputy Whip: Sen. Perry Dozier, Waitsburg
Shortly after the November election, Washington state Senate Democrats elected Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, as the Senate Majority Leader, replacing outgoing Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane.
Last month, state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, was chosen by his fellow representatives to serve as caucus chair of the House Republicans. Two legislators from the 20th District’s neighboring 35th District were also elected to leadership positions in the House. Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, was selected as House minority whip, while Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, was chosen as the assistant floor leader.
The 105-day legislative session will begin on Jan. 13.
