In a stunning revelation, it has come to light that Republican Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas has been residing in a memory care facility while absent from her duties in the U.S. House of Representatives since July. The 81-year-old representative, who has served Texas’s 12th congressional district since 1997 and chaired the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has reportedly been grappling with “dementia issues” according to her family – a fact that was not disclosed to the public until recently uncovered by Dallas media.
Granger’s last recorded vote was on July 24th, opposing a symbolic measure just days after President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race amidst questions about his age and mental fitness. Her prolonged absence prompted a Dallas Express reporter to investigate, eventually confirming with the assistant executive director of a local senior living facility that it was indeed Granger’s current residence. Her son later clarified to the Dallas Morning News that while dealing with dementia, Granger resides in the independent living section of the property rather than the memory care unit itself.
Concerns Over Lack of Representation
News of Granger’s undisclosed condition and absence has troubled local and state Republican leaders, with some expressing deep concerns over the lack of representation for her district during her lengthy time away from Congress. Bo French, chair of the Tarrant County Republican Party, emphasized the “extraordinarily important votes” that have taken place in Granger’s absence:
“Votes involving disaster relief, the debt ceiling, and the U.S.-Mexico border have occurred since Granger’s last vote in July. We deserve better representation than this.”
– Bo French, Tarrant County Republican Chair
Others have questioned why Granger’s condition was not disclosed earlier, with Texas State Republican Committee member Rolando Garcia suggesting she may have already been “in visible decline” during her successful 2022 reelection campaign. The lack of transparency surrounding such a key leader’s health and capacity to serve has left many feeling misled.
Parallels to Biden Criticisms
The revelation draws striking parallels to recent Republican criticisms of President Biden’s mental acuity and age-related health concerns. After a lackluster debate performance by Biden in June, House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the cabinet consider invoking the 25th Amendment to replace the president if deemed unfit to carry out his duties. Yet just months later, Republican leaders were praising Granger at a November event without any public acknowledgment of her condition or absence.
Similarly, in February, Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise signed a statement expressing grave concerns over a special counsel report mentioning limitations to Biden’s memory. They also demanded testimony from the Defense Secretary for not immediately informing the White House of his hospitalization for prostate surgery complications. The apparent double standard in addressing health and transparency issues has not gone unnoticed.
A Long, Pioneering Career
Kay Granger’s political career has been one of trailblazing achievement, becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of Fort Worth and the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas. She played a key role in securing increased military funding, notably for the F-35 fighter jet program based in her district at the Lockheed Martin plant.
Her legacy is now at risk of being overshadowed by the unfortunate circumstances of her unannounced absence and health struggles. As one commenter posted on her official Facebook page featuring a photo with aides, “Are these the people who have been hiding the fact that you are in a [memory] care facility? Frauds!”
The Congressional Gerontocracy
Granger’s situation shines a spotlight on the aging makeup of the U.S. Congress, where the average age has been steadily climbing. With many leaders serving well into their 70s and 80s, concerns over age-related health issues and mental fitness are becoming increasingly relevant.
The 117th Congress, seated in 2021, was the oldest on record with an average age of 58.4 years for House members and 64.3 years for Senators. As of 2023:
- Over 23% of House members are 70+
- 45% of Senators are 65+
- The top 3 House Democrats are all over 80
Critics argue this “gerontocracy” is out of touch with younger generations and raises valid concerns about competency and succession planning as age takes its toll. The Granger case underscores the importance of addressing these delicate but consequential matters head-on.
Looking Ahead
As Granger’s health challenges come to light, questions remain over how the situation was handled and what it means for representation of her district going forward. Texas State Rep. Craig Goldman won election in November to succeed Granger upon her retirement, but in the interim, constituents are left without a voting voice in Congress.
The uncomfortable revelation has ignited a broader debate about congressional leadership, age, and transparency that is unlikely to subside anytime soon. While Granger’s trailblazing achievements deserve great reverence, the circumstances of her final months in office may now tarnish that distinguished legacy. It’s a regrettable final chapter for a political pioneer.