[AUDIO] With the final gavel echoing through the House chamber Thursday night, lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 legislative session after passing supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets. House Republicans say the session was defined by a fight over taxes and affordability. John Sattgast with Washington House Republicans reports from Olympia.
TRANSCRIPT:
[Sound of final gavel]
The gavel falls… lawmakers rise from their desks… and the 2026 legislative session is over.
After 60 days of debate and long, exhausting nights on the House floor, the Legislature adjourned Thursday night at the state Capitol.
House Republican Deputy Leader Representative Chris Corry says Republicans spent the session fighting for Washington families facing rising costs.
CORRY: “I think the real heroes of affordability are going to be the House Republican Caucus because we stood up for everyday Washingtonians.”
Corry says the defining moment of the session was the marathon House debate over the proposed state income tax.
CORRY: “It has to be the income tax fight, right? This was a fight that no one thought we could do… 24-and-a-half-hours nonstop.”
Looking ahead, Corry says the debate over taxes and spending in Washington is far from finished.
CORRY: “Next year will be rough. And it is really important that we are already thinking about next year and what we can do to help the people of the state. (SATTGAST: And you will be ready?) Absolutely!”
SATTGAST: And with that final gavel, the 2026 legislative session is now in the history books.
John Sattgast, the state Capitol.