About john braun
A small business owner, engineering graduate and former U.S. Navy officer, John Braun has combined his private-sector experience with legislative service since 2012.
Braun is the Minority Leader of the Washington State Senate, representing the 20th Legislative District—covering portions of Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark and Thurston Counties. He’s recognized for crafting significant education and tax reforms, leading the Republican caucus in the Senate, and promoting commonsense, principled policy.
Background
Education & Military Service
Earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1989, on a Naval ROTC scholarship
Holds both an MBA and M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Michigan (1999)
Served seven years on active duty in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Captain after 31 years of active and reserve service. His assignments included six commands in the submarine force and with U.S. Combatant Commanders. His last assignment was as the Director of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Reserve Component.
Business Career
Serves as President of Braun Northwest, a family-owned emergency vehicle manufacturer founded in 1986. The company has 350 employees and serves Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement agencies across the western United States.
He emphasizes staying connected to everyday working families through his hands-on leadership at the company.
Legislative Leadership & Committees
Chaired the Senate Ways & Means Committee in 2017, spearheading a landmark 2017–19 state operating budget. This included historic education funding and property tax reforms that reduced taxes for 73% of residents.
Sponsored the College Affordability Program in 2015, enabling the first and largest tuition cuts at state universities & colleges in the nation.
As Minority Leader, Braun has focused on advocating for affordability, public safety, schools, lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom. Serves on several Senate committees, including Ways & Means (former chair and ranking Republican member), Rules, and Labor & Commerce.
Braun works hard to represent everyone Southwest Washington, sponsoring nonpartisan legislation, improving special education and providing support for the developmentally disabled.
Personal Life & Community Involvement
He lives with his wife Marlo (37 years) on a Lewis County farm near Centralia / Chehalis. They have four successful adult children, three who have served or are serving as officers in the US Navy or Marine Corps.
Served on several local community boards:
Providence Centralia Hospital Community Board
Centralia College Foundation Board
Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees
Member, National Association of Manufacturers President’s Council
St. Joseph School Commission
Centralia Youth Soccer Board