The majority leader of the Washington state House of Representatives has apologised after acknowledging that he consumed alcohol during work hours, describing the incident as a lapse in judgment and committing to take corrective action.

In a statement, the senior Democratic lawmaker said he regretted his conduct and recognised that it fell short of the standards expected of public officials.

He expressed remorse to colleagues, staff and constituents, stating that he takes full responsibility for his actions.

The admission prompted internal discussions within the House Democratic caucus, where members have emphasised the importance of professionalism and public trust.

While no formal disciplinary action had been publicly announced at the time of writing, party leaders indicated that the matter was being reviewed in accordance with established workplace policies.

Colleagues across the political spectrum said elected officials are held to high standards of conduct, particularly during legislative sessions when key policy decisions are under consideration.

Some lawmakers called for transparency in the review process, while others stressed the importance of allowing internal procedures to run their course.

The majority leader said he is seeking support to address the issue and ensure it does not recur, underscoring his commitment to fulfilling his leadership responsibilities.

He added that he remains focused on advancing the legislative agenda and maintaining the confidence of those he serves.

The episode comes during a busy period for the state legislature, as lawmakers debate budget priorities and policy initiatives.

Further developments will depend on the outcome of internal evaluations and any additional steps taken by House leadership.