WA lawmaker apologizes for drinking on the job after video of meeting circulates
A leading Washington lawmaker apologized Thursday for drinking on the job after a video of him seeming to slur his words slightly during a Wednesday night budget meeting circulated on social media.
In an emailed statement to McClatchy, House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, a West Seattle Democrat, apologized for consuming alcohol prior to finishing up business in the House Appropriations Committee — a move he said he “deeply regret(s).”
“This was a serious mistake for many reasons. Being impaired in that situation was harmful to my work and to my coworkers,” he continued. “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.”
Conservative radio host Ari Hoffman posted video of the meeting in question to X Thursday morning. SeattleRed’s Jason Rantz then published an article, quoting Republican lawmakers under the condition of anonymity who alleged Fitzgibbon was “clearly drunk” and slurring his speech.
McClatchy has left a message with the chief House clerk asking for clarity on whether there is a set protocol or restrictions for lawmakers when it comes to drinking on the clock.
The media company also reached out to House Democratic Caucus leadership to ask whether the majority leader would be reprimanded.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins told McClatchy in an emailed statement that Fitzgibbon fell short of the standard of workplace professionalism, but noted that he has apologized and acknowledged “that behavior is unacceptable.”
“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,” the Tacoma Democrat continued.
The clip of Fitzgibbon’s speech came after Rep. Matt Marshall, an Eatonville Republican, had aired his frustrations that minority-party amendments to the budget proposal had been voted down. Marshall also claimed that Republican input was not welcome during the budget-writing process.
Fitzgibbon then thanked Republicans for their amendments, underscoring the importance of hearing from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle about their constituents’ needs. He said the state is facing a difficult time largely because of expenses coming from Washington, D.C.
He also referenced a much-criticized idea from House Democrats to redirect surplus funds in the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ (LEOFF) Plan 1 pension to help cover a state budget shortfall.
“I also really want to emphasize that public employees whose retirement security is — relies upon state government making good choices, there is no state out of 50 that I would rather be a public employee with my retirement system managed by state government than this state,” Fitzgibbon said.
Lawmakers are working on finalizing the details of their supplemental operating budget proposals ahead of the March 12 end of the 2026 session.
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