Rep. Kay Granger’s Health Challenges Spark Debate On Aging Politicians
Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), who has been absent from congressional voting for six months, was recently found in a dementia care facility after reportedly becoming disoriented in her neighborhood. The 81-year-old, nearing the end of her nearly 30-year congressional career, has been residing in a facility charging $4,000 monthly.
The Dallas Express uncovered Granger’s situation, which has raised concerns about the ability of aging lawmakers to fulfill their responsibilities. Granger’s absence comes amid growing national attention on the health of elderly political figures, including Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 82, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
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 testing for elected officials in response to the revelation, while commentator Meghan McCain criticized the media for its silence on Granger’s absence. Political consultant Ryan Girdusky suggested that political insiders were already aware of her condition.
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 issued a statement denying she is in memory care, attributing her absence to “unforeseen health challenges.” The statement, credited to Granger, explained that her condition had 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 expressed concern about the impact of Granger’s absence on her district, which includes approximately two million constituents. French described the situation as disenfranchising voters during a time of critical congressional decisions.
"'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 served as chair of the influential House Appropriations Committee until earlier this year, will be succeeded by Texas House Member Craig Goldman at the end of her term.