Apparently, a member of the House of Representatives has been missing for approximately 6 months. How has this not been reported on more? Rep. Kay Granger, the 81-year-old Republican congresswoman representing Texas’s 12th District since 1997, has been found residing in a memory care and assisted living facility after a mysterious six-month absence from public life. This revelation has sparked concern and criticism about transparency regarding her condition and ability to fulfill her duties.
Granger’s sudden disappearance occurred around July, with her last recorded vote opposing an amendment to reduce the salary of a federal pesticide official. Since then, she had not appeared in Congress or publicly addressed her constituents, leaving many wondering about her whereabouts.
A local Dallas Express investigation, led by reporter Carlos Turcios, uncovered the truth after encountering dead ends at Granger’s offices, which were unresponsive, and her district office, which showed no signs of activity. A tip from a resident ultimately led Turcios to a memory care facility where staff confirmed that Granger had been living.
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The report notes that Granger was found wandering lost and confused in her West 7th neighborhood before moving into the facility. Attempts to interview her about her plans for voting on key congressional issues, such as the spending bill, were denied by the facility. However, Taylor Manziel, the facility’s Assistant Executive Director, acknowledged Granger’s residence, stating, “This is her home.”
The lack of communication from Granger’s office or family regarding her condition has drawn sharp criticism. Rolando Garcia, a State Republican Executive Committeeman, called it a “sad and humiliating way to end her political career.” Many have questioned why her staff or relatives chose to withhold information, leaving her constituents in the dark for so long.
The fact that Kay Granger is unable to leave her nursing home to participate in the most important congressional vote of the year suggests she was already in visible decline when she ran for re-election in 2022.
A sad and humiliating way to end her political career. Sad that… https://t.co/ElXhv6wWcW
— Rolando Garcia (@rdgarcia03) December 20, 2024
Granger had already announced her retirement at the end of this Congress, meaning her absence won’t affect her ability to run for reelection. Starting in January, the seat will be filled by Craig Goldman, a Republican who previously served in the Texas House of Representatives.
This development marks a bittersweet end to a decades-long career in public service for Granger, who was the first female mayor of Fort Worth and a long-serving member of Congress. Her condition raises larger questions about the accountability and transparency required from elected officials and their teams, particularly when health issues impact their ability to serve.
For now, her constituents are left grappling with the dual emotions of concern for her well-being and frustration over the months of unanswered questions.
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