WA Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon apologizes for drinking before House committee meeting

Washington House majority leader apologizes after admitting to drinking before committee meeting

A Washington state representative who plays a key role in crafting the state’s budget and major policies could potentially face consequences after admitting to drinking before a legislative committee meeting.

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Democratic state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon is apologizing after admitting he drank alcohol before appearing at a House Appropriations Committee meeting.

Fitzgibbon called it a quote, "serious mistake for many reasons."

The backstory:

On Wednesday, colleagues noticed a dramatic shift as Fitzgibbon appeared to be dozing off during a House Appropriations Committee meeting that began at 4 p.m.

During the meeting, Fitzgibbon addressed committee members while discussing the operating budget.

"I am grateful to all the members of this committee and all the members of the house for putting forward their ideas and putting forward that ... that ... the ... the operating budget that we put forward does not forget that the people we are working to represent, the people we are working to lift up and support ... don't always have a voice in this process," Fitzgibbon said.

Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (TVW)

Fitzgibbon, who has served as House Majority Leader since 2022, represents Washington’s 34th Legislative District, which includes West Seattle, White Center and parts of Burien. He plays a key role in crafting the state's budget and major policies, and could face consequences despite his apology.

In a statement sent to FOX 13, Fitzgibbon said in part: "Being impaired in that situation was harmful to my work and to my co-workers. This was a painful and embarrassing lesson, one I won’t forget, and I will not put myself and others in this situation again in the future. Again, I apologize."

What's next:

On Wednesday, colleagues noticed a dramatic shift as Fitzgibbon appeared to be dozing off during a House Appropriations Committee meeting that began at 4 p.m.

The incident comes with two weeks remaining in Washington’s 60-day legislative session.

It is unclear whether Fitzgibbon will face any disciplinary action.

What they're saying:

FOX 13 reached out to House Speaker Laurie Jinkins to ask whether the Legislative Ethics Board is investigating and what consequences, if any, Fitzgibbon could face. There has been no response.

In a previous statement, Jinkins said: "We expect professionalism in the workplace, and while Rep. Fitzgibbon did not meet that standard Wednesday night, he has acknowledged that behavior is unacceptable and has apologized. The people of Washington expect and deserve their legislators to be fully focused and clear on the work we are here to do on their behalf, and House Democratic Caucus leadership stands with Rep. Fitzgibbon as he takes whatever steps he needs to ensure his well-being."

It remains unclear where Fitzgibbon consumed the alcohol.

According to Washington state workplace rules, an employer must prohibit employees under the influence of alcohol or narcotics from the work site.

FOX 13 requested an interview with Fitzgibbon, which has not been granted. The station also reached out to Republican leaders, who have not responded.