Dem Washington House majority leader apologizes for being ‘impaired’ during budget hearing
TL;DR
Washington State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon apologized for being impaired by alcohol during a key budget hearing, admitting it affected his speech and behavior. The incident raised questions about leadership accountability as lawmakers finalize budget negotiations, but no formal disciplinary action has been announced.
Tags
Dem Washington House majority leader apologizes for being ‘impaired’ during budget hearing
Washington State House Majority Leader Apologizes for Impairment During Key Budget Hearing
Washington State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon (D-West Seattle) issued a public apology on February 27, 2026, after admitting he consumed alcohol during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on February 25, 2026, while discussing the state's $79 billion operating budget proposal for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The hearing, which began at 4:00 p.m. and lasted until 10:15 p.m., was part of the final stages of the 60-day legislative session, during which lawmakers are addressing a projected $1.8 billion state deficit.
Fitzgibbon acknowledged in a statement that his alcohol consumption prior to completing committee work resulted in impaired speech and behavior, including slurred remarks and moments of incoherence captured in public video footage of the hearing. "This was a serious mistake for many reasons," he said, adding that the incident was "harmful to my work and to my co-workers". Republican lawmakers who attended the hearing told reporters that Fitzgibbon appeared "clearly drunk" and even fell asleep at times, though they declined to comment publicly due to professional relationships.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) stated that Fitzgibbon's actions fell short of expected professional standards but emphasized that he has apologized and acknowledged the behavior as unacceptable. No formal disciplinary action from Democratic leadership has been announced, and Fitzgibbon has committed to completing the session's work without alcohol.
The incident has raised questions about leadership accountability as lawmakers finalize budget negotiations. Fitzgibbon's office did not confirm whether additional measures will be taken to address the situation. The hearing's disruptions occurred during critical discussions of fiscal priorities, including deficit reduction strategies, underscoring the importance of legislative focus during the session's final weeks.
As of February 28, 2026, Fitzgibbon remains in his role, and no delays to budget proceedings have been reported. The episode highlights ongoing scrutiny of legislative conduct amid high-stakes fiscal decisions.
