Texas Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), absent from congressional votes for six months, was recently located in a dementia care facility following reports of disorientation near her home. The 81-year-old has been living in a nursing home as she navigates health challenges late in her congressional career.
The Dallas Express uncovered Granger’s living arrangements, sparking renewed debate about the effectiveness of aging politicians. Granger’s absence highlights broader concerns about the health of senior lawmakers, such as Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who have faced their own health struggles.
Uh, but why the public backlash has erupted online after a Republican congresswoman Kay Granger was found in a dementia care facility for the past 6 mos. We know that U.S. non-gov't workers can go home and get paid if they are unable to work & continue to get health insurance.
— This-n-thaT (@Robert_Rants) December 23, 2024
Elon Musk publicly advocated for mandatory cognitive assessments for elected officials in light of the news. Meghan McCain criticized the lack of media coverage regarding Granger’s extended absence, while political insiders like Ryan Girdusky noted that her condition was already known within certain circles.
How come not one US Representative blew the whistle on Congresswoman Kay Granger's absence to a retirement home for the last 6 months. Nobody was representing her constituents. How is that legal? Somebody had to know.
— MuseumJunkie (@museum_junkie) December 23, 2024
Granger’s office responded with a statement denying she is in memory care and acknowledging her health struggles. The statement, attributed to Granger, said her condition had made travel to Washington “difficult and unpredictable” over the past year.
EXCLUSIVE: Where is Congresswoman Kay Granger?
“…the Congresswoman has been residing at a local memory care and assisted living home for some time after having been found wandering lost and confused in her former Cultural District/West 7th neighborhood.” https://t.co/O2Sbos1lah— naftelworld 🇺🇦 (@NAFTELWORLD) December 23, 2024
Local GOP Chair Bo French emphasized the importance of consistent representation for Granger’s district, home to roughly two million constituents. French called the lack of participation in congressional votes during Granger’s absence a failure to meet the needs of Texans.
"'Missing' Congresswoman Kay Granger found in assisted living facility" – Daily Mail #SmartNews https://t.co/U5amxHNNLS
— Dr. Rhonda Fine (@DrRhondaFine) December 23, 2024
Granger, who held the prestigious role of chairing the House Appropriations Committee until April, will leave Congress at the end of her term. Texas House Member Craig Goldman will take over as her successor.
