Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), absent from the House for six months, was recently located in a dementia care facility after reportedly being found disoriented in her neighborhood. The 81-year-old, nearing the end of a nearly 30-year career in Congress, is reportedly living in a facility costing $4,000 per month.
The Dallas Express investigation uncovered Granger’s situation, prompting public concern over her ability to serve effectively. Granger’s absence has reignited discussions about aging political leaders, as figures like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have faced similar scrutiny over their health.
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 weighed in, advocating for cognitive testing for all elected officials. Meghan McCain expressed frustration over the lack of media attention on Granger’s prolonged absence, and political consultant Ryan Girdusky indicated that her condition was no secret among 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
Granger’s congressional office issued a statement denying that she resides in memory care. A message attributed to Granger acknowledged her health struggles, stating that her condition made frequent 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 criticized the lack of communication from Granger’s office, calling her absence during key congressional votes a disservice to her constituents. Her district encompasses around two million Texans, many of whom French said are left without representation.
"'Missing' Congresswoman Kay Granger found in assisted living facility" – Daily Mail #SmartNews https://t.co/U5amxHNNLS
— Dr. Rhonda Fine (@DrRhondaFine) December 23, 2024
As Granger concludes her congressional career, Texas House Member Craig Goldman is set to take over her seat. Granger’s tenure included leadership of the powerful House Appropriations Committee until earlier this year.
