John Braun

John Braun
Minority Leader of the Washington Senate
Assumed office
November 30, 2020
Preceded byMark Schoesler
Member of the Washington Senate
from the 20th district
Assumed office
July 23, 2017
Preceded byMarlo Braun
In office
January 14, 2013 – July 18, 2017
Preceded byDan Swecker
Succeeded byMarlo Braun
Personal details
Born
John Eric Braun

(1967-01-16) January 16, 1967 (age 57)
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMarlo Braun
EducationUniversity of Washington (BS)
University of Michigan (MBA, MEM)
WebsiteOfficial website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy

John Eric Braun[1] (born January 16, 1967) is an American politician from Washington. A Republican, Braun serves in the Washington State Senate, representing the 20th district.[2][3] Braun serves as the President of Braun Northwest and as an officer in the US Navy Reserve.[4]

Early life and education[edit]

Braun was born on January 16, 1967, in Columbus, Ohio.[5] He grew up in Ohio and attended the University of Washington on a U.S. Naval ROTC scholarship. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He then spent seven years on active duty with the United States Navy, and he continues to serve as a Captain in the Navy Reserve. Braun received his Master of Business Administration degree and Master of Engineering Management from the University of Michigan in 1999.

Career[edit]

Braun ran in a three-way all-Republican primary in 2012 versus the incumbent state senator Dan Swecker and employment specialist and former substitute teacher Rae Lowery.[6] Braun had a strong showing in the primary with 40.33 percent of the vote compared to Swecker's 46.97 percent.[7] In the General Election, Braun greatly improved on his primary showing; defeating Swecker with 55.43 percent of the vote.[8]

In the Senate, Braun serves as Chair of the Ways and Means Committees.[9]

He held his first floor speech February 15, 2013, and sponsored more than 70 bills as a freshman legislator.[10]

In November 2020, Braun was elected Washington Senate Minority Leader by members of the Republican caucus.[11] Braun has served as the minority leader since the start of the 2021–2022 legislative session.[12]

Awards[edit]

  • 2014 Guardians of Small Business award. Presented by NFIB.[13]

Personal life[edit]

As of 2012, he lives in Centralia with his wife and four children, while managing the family business.[14]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Ambulance maker had long road back home to Chehalis". The Chronicle (Centralia, WA). 2005-06-27. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
  2. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-01-11. Retrieved 2012-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ "Senator John Braun Political Summary - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
  4. ^ "Candidate John E. Braun". The Columbian. Archived from the original on 2013-01-01. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
  5. ^ "2019-2020 Legislative Manual" (PDF). State of Washington. 2019. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
  6. ^ "Candidates". Weiapplets.sos.wa.gov. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
  7. ^ "Legislative District 20 - State Senator". Vote.wa.gov. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
  8. ^ "Legislative District 20 - State Senator". Vote.wa.gov. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
  9. ^ "Senators". www.leg.wa.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
  10. ^ "Bill Sponsorship". Archived from the original on 2013-02-27. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  11. ^ "WA state Sen. Schoesler steps down as minority leader, Sen. Braun assumes role". MyNorthwest.com. 2020-12-03. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
  12. ^ [email protected], Celene Fitzgerald /. "Centralia Republican John Braun Elected to Serve as Senate Minority Leader". The Chronicle. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
  13. ^ "69 Lawmakers Win Main Street's Highest Award". nfib.com. May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  14. ^ "State Senator - Legislative District 20". Vote.wa.gov. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
Washington State Senate
Preceded by Minority Leader of the Washington Senate
2020–present
Incumbent