Congresswoman Kay Granger’s discovery in a dementia care facility after months of absence from Washington D.C. has ignited a firestorm of controversy and debate about accountability in politics.
At a Glance
- Rep. Kay Granger found living in an independent living facility after six-month absence
- Granger’s son confirms she’s dealing with dementia, affecting her ability to travel to D.C.
- Incident sparks debate on transparency, term limits, and aging politicians in Congress
- Granger announced retirement in November 2023, remaining on payroll until January 2025
Granger’s Absence and Discovery
Texas Representative Kay Granger, a prominent Republican figure, has been absent from public view for nearly six months, raising concerns about her health and ability to fulfill her congressional duties. The 80-year-old congresswoman, who has not cast a vote since July, was recently discovered residing in an independent living facility in Texas, sparking a heated debate about transparency and accountability in politics.
Granger’s son, Brandon, confirmed her residence at the Tradition-Clearfork facility but denied she was in the memory care unit. However, he acknowledged that his mother has been “having some dementia issues late in the year,” which has affected her ability to travel to Washington, D.C.
Political Implications and Public Reaction
The revelation of Granger’s condition has ignited a fierce debate about the responsibilities of elected officials and the need for transparency in matters of health. Many have questioned whether Granger’s staff and colleagues were aware of her condition and, if so, why it wasn’t disclosed to her constituents earlier.
“I’ve known Kay Granger since she was a school teacher. Whatever you think of her politics, whoever made the decision to hide her condition from her constituents ought to be shoveling out horse stalls tomorrow,” Jody Dean said.
Granger, who was first elected in 1997 and is the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas, stepped down as chair of the House Appropriations Committee in March. She announced her retirement in November 2023 but will remain on the payroll until January 3, 2025, a decision that has drawn criticism from some quarters.
This incident has reignited discussions about the age and mental acuity of Congress members, with notable figures like President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also facing similar scrutiny. The situation has prompted calls for term limits and reforms to ensure that elected officials can effectively represent their constituents.
