The No. 3 Democrat in the Colorado Senate is reportedly seeking treatment for substance abuse related to alcoholism.
Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter made the announcement after she appeared intoxicated this Wednesday during a community hearing, slurring her speech and seeming confused, according to the Colorado Sun.
“I deeply regret my behavior last night,” Winter said in a written statement. “I made a mistake and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or discomfort I caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am committed to making things right. I especially apologize to the city of Northglenn and the citizens that came out — I deeply care about your thoughts and community. I am now under the care of medical professionals and receiving treatment for my substance abuse disorder.”
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According to reports, concerned colleagues have tried to confront Winter about her drinking and have encouraged her to seek treatment.
Winter said she's taking a break from her role as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee “in order to focus on my health.”
“I apologize to anyone who was affected by my actions and I appreciate your understanding,” she said. “Thank you for respecting me and my family’s privacy at this time.”
Winter was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which she said “led to the development of pulmonary hypertension and put incredible stress on my heart.”
In September, she suffered a serious head injury and had to undergo surgery after an accident while riding her bike. In a post to her X account, she said she crashed into a curb while trying to “avoid being hit by a large truck.”
With about a month left to go in Colorado’s 2024 legislative session, it's not clear how her treatment will conflict with her duties as a lawmaker.