Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, is currently living at Tradition Senior Living, an independent living facility located in Fort Worth. Having not cast any votes since July, Granger's health struggles have drawn significant attention and criticism. Her last votes occurred just before the summer recess, but reports have confirmed she is dealing with some serious health challenges as she prepares for retirement at the end of her term.
Granger's son, Brandon, disclosed to the Dallas Morning News, "She’s having some dementia issues late in the year." He clarified, though, as earlier reports suggested, she is not residing within the facility's memory care section but rather is enjoying the independent living aspect. "A lot of people there are younger than she is. A lot of them still work. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be around people she can spend time with and have a cocktail with,” he said.
The congresswoman’s absence from the House floor during pivotal votes, including recent discussions on budget matters, has raised concerns about representation in Texas’s 12th congressional district. Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Bo French expressed discontent, stating, "A lack of representation for Rep. Granger’s district... is troubling to say the least. At a time when extraordinarily important votes are happening, she is nowhere to be found." Granger’s last recorded vote was on July 24, and she has missed several significant legislative sessions since then.
Granger, who became the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas, announced she would not seek re-election earlier this year, stating, "It’s time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be...a strong and fierce representative for the people." She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1997 and as the first female mayor of Fort Worth preceding her congressional career.
Rumors surrounding Granger's health intensified when she missed key votes. According to reports, her staff and family attempted to maintain open communication with congressional leadership about her health status. A source familiar with the situation noted, "She has been in contact with leadership from the beginning, letting them know what was going on, and would have been happy to travel back to DC if they needed her for specific votes, and they knew" of her declining health.
Despite the criticism, Granger has remained resolute. Just last month, she publicly attended the portrait-unveiling ceremony celebrating her long tenure on the House Appropriations Committee, reflecting on her service. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve..." she stated. Her departure from the committee leadership marked her stepping down from one of the most influential roles she held, citing her desire to assist younger representatives.
Concerns about the age and health of congressional representatives have surfaced amid this situation, as echoed by Democrats like Rep. Ro Khanna, who called for term limits, asserting, "Kay Granger's long absence reveals the problem with a Congress...that rewards seniority & relationships more than merit & ideas." He voiced concerns surrounding the lack of transparency related to the health of elected officials, emphasizing voters' right to awareness about their representatives' capacities.
Although she has faced significant scrutiny, Granger’s family maintains she is receiving the care and community support she needs at Tradition Senior Living, where residents engage actively with one another. Brandon reassured, "It’s wonderful for her for this point in life," highlighting the importance of social interaction for seniors.
Rep. Granger’s condition and absenteeism are now serving as focal points for broader discussions on age and advocacy within Congress. With her retirement approaching and her health challenges persistent, the pressing question remains: How will Texas’s 12th District continue to voice its needs during such pivotal times?
