Texas Republican Congresswoman Kay Granger, who has been absent from voting for the past six months, was recently found to be residing in a dementia care facility.
The 81-year-old, who was about to conclude nearly three decades in the House, reportedly has been living at a nursing home that charges $4,000 monthly. An investigation by the Dallas Express discovered her at the facility after she was found disoriented in her neighborhood.
This revelation has spurred widespread debate regarding the capability of older politicians to effectively serve amidst a broader scrutiny of America’s aging political leadership.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, advocated on social media for cognitive assessments for elected officials. Commentator Meghan McCain expressed dismay over the lack of media coverage regarding Granger’s prolonged absence. Concerns similarly focus on other senior politicians, including Mitch McConnell, 82, and Nancy Pelosi, who have encountered health challenges.
Political consultant Ryan Girdusky indicated awareness of Granger’s condition among insiders.
On Sunday, Granger’s congressional office released a statement saying, “Kay Granger is not in Memory Care,” with a statement attributed to Granger herself claiming, “As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year.”
She accepted her “health challenges have progressed making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable.”
The investigation gained momentum when Dallas Express reporter Carlos Turcios noted a lack of response from Granger’s office. Local GOP Chair Bo French commented on the significance of her absence given the congressional votes occurring, describing it as disenfranchising her constituents, who number around two million.
Granger is about to end her term in Congress, with Texas House Member Craig Goldman set to take over. Granger, until April this year, chaired the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
