State Sen. Faith Winter, a Broomfield lawmaker and the third-highest Democrat in the legislature, announced on Thursday that she is receiving treatment for alcohol abuse after being visibly drunk at a local event this week.
Winter expressed regret for her conduct at the Northglenn event on Wednesday night, where she seemed to have difficulty speaking clearly to the audience. The gathering was convened to address community concerns about a new mental health facility in the area. community concerns about a mental health facility opening in the area.
“I made a mistake and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or discomfort I caused,” Winter said in a statement Thursday. “… I am now under the care of medical professionals and receiving treatment for my substance abuse disorder.“
Winter drove to the event but got a ride home via Uber, according to a Senate Democratic spokesman. She was not present in the Senate chamber Thursday.
The Colorado Sun first reported the news about Winter seeking treatment Thursday afternoon.
Winter, the Senate’s assistant majority leader, said she would also step down from her position as the chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. She has served in the Senate since 2019 and previously served in the House.
In a separate statement, Senate President Steve Fenberg said he was “heartened to see” that Winter was seeking treatment.
“Sen. Winter is an important and valued leader in the Senate Democratic Caucus and I know, with the support of her friends and family, she will get through this challenge,” he wrote.
Winter has had other health issues, and in September she was hospitalized after she crashed her bike while riding to the Capitol. She said she was trying to avoid a truck on the road.
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