John Eric Braun, a Republican, represents Washington's 20th Legislative District in the state Senate, covering parts of Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis, and Thurston counties in Southwest Washington. Born January 16, 1967, in Columbus, Ohio, he serves as Senate Republican Leader , ranking member of the Ways & Means Committee, and member of Labor & Commerce, among others. Notable achievements include chairing Ways & Means in 2017 to pass a landmark budget with historic education funding and property tax reforms reducing taxes for 73% of residents, and sponsoring the 2015 College Affordability Program with the first tuition cuts at state institutions. He is president of family-owned Braun Northwest, building emergency vehicles since 1986, and resides on a farm in rural Lewis County. In August 2025, he announced a run for U.S. House in Washington's 3rd Congressional District in 2026.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington ; master's degrees in business administration and manufacturing engineering from the University of Michigan.
• Military Service: Seven years active duty in the U.S. Navy; retired as Captain after 31 years including reserves.
• Political Experience: Elected to Washington State Senate in 2012; Senate Republican Caucus leader since 2021; prior roles include Deputy Republican Caucus Leader .
• Community Involvement: Providence Centralia Hospital Community Board; Centralia College Foundation Board; former roles on Timberland Regional Library Board, Enterprise Washington Board, and others.