Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), 81, was found living in a dementia care facility after being absent from congressional votes for six months. An investigation by the Dallas Express revealed that Granger, nearing the end of her congressional career, had been residing in a nursing home following reports of disorientation near her home.
Granger’s absence has raised concerns about the capability of elderly politicians to fulfill their duties. The revelation comes amid broader scrutiny of senior lawmakers like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who have also faced health challenges.
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
Tesla CEO Elon Musk called for cognitive evaluations for elected officials, while Meghan McCain criticized the lack of attention to Granger’s extended absence. Political consultant Ryan Girdusky stated that Granger’s health issues were already known among political insiders.
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
In response to the report, Granger’s office denied she is in memory care. A statement attributed to Granger acknowledged her health struggles, noting they made travel to Washington “difficult and unpredictable.”
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 expressed disappointment over the lack of representation for Granger’s district, home to roughly two million constituents. French argued that her absence during critical votes left Texans without a voice in Congress.
"'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 chaired the influential House Appropriations Committee until earlier this year, will leave office at the end of her term. Texas House Member Craig Goldman is set to take her place.
