High-ranking Colorado Senate Democrat enters treatment for alcohol abuse, steps down as committee chair

State Sen. Faith Winter, a Broomfield lawmaker and the third-ranking Democrat in the chamber, said Thursday that she has entered substance-use treatment for alcohol abuse after appearing intoxicated at a community event this week.

Winter apologized for her behavior at the Northglenn event Wednesday night, where she appeared to slur her words when she spoke to the crowd. The meeting was called to address 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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