Texas Rep. Kay Granger’s prolonged absence from Congress stirs speculation about her health and highlights transparency issues in the political sphere.
At a Glance
- Rep. Kay Granger confirmed to have “dementia issues” by her son, residing in a senior living facility.
- She has not voted since July 2023, raising concerns about representation for her district.
- Her situation reignites debates over the age of American political leaders and accountability.
- Granger announced she would not seek re-election after nearly three decades in Congress.
Granger’s Health and Political Absence
Rep. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old Republican congresswoman from Texas, confirms experiencing dementia issues, with her son stating she is residing in a senior living facility. Questions arise as Granger has been absent from Congress since July 2023, impacting the representation of her district’s 2 million residents.
Her absence from recent government shutdown negotiations and key votes has sparked public outcry. Granger’s son emphasized that although she is in a senior living facility, it is not a memory care unit. Granger’s withdrawal from the political scene has fueled discussions about age limits and the responsibilities of elected officials.
Rep. Kay Granger says she’s had "unforeseen health challenges," but not in memory care https://t.co/HM2UF13PuA
— The Hill (@thehill) December 23, 2024
Concerns Over Leadership Age
Granger’s prolonged nonattendance coincides with her announcement to not seek re-election in 2023. This decision concludes a longstanding political career since 1997, drawing attention to the urgent need for discussions about age and leadership in Congress, where she is one of 23 members aged 80 or older.
“Kay Granger’s long absence reveals the problem with a Congress that rewards seniority & relationships more than merit & ideas. We have a sclerotic gerontocracy.” – Rep. Ro Khanna
Granger has been living in a $4,000-a-month nursing home for the last six months, with confirmation from her son. Public scrutiny remains high, urging accountability from those allegedly involved in covering up her condition.
Representative Kay Granger, whose last House vote was in late July, is suffering from dementia and has moved to a senior living facility, according to her son. She and her staff had neither disclosed her health issues nor explained her absence. https://t.co/O9n0E3CnBQ
— Intelligencer (@intelligencer) December 23, 2024
Legacy of Kay Granger
Granger’s political career marked significant milestones as Fort Worth’s first female mayor and the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas. Her district includes the Lockheed Martin plant producing the F-35 jet, showcasing her pivotal role in securing military funding.
Granger’s recent appearance at a Capitol event unveiling her portrait was her first public showing in months. Despite health challenges complicating travel to Washington, her absence has kindled public discourse on elder politicians retaining power and responsibilities they may no longer be fit to fulfill.
