• Rep. Kay Granger, the longest-serving GOP woman in the House, resides at an independent living facility, not in memory care, despite experiencing some dementia issues late in 2023, according to her son and office.
• Granger, 81, announced she would not seek reelection, stepped down from her role as House Appropriations Committee chair in March, and cast her last vote in July 2023.
• Her health challenges and absence have raised broader concerns about aging lawmakers and the need for transparency regarding their ability to serve.

Response to Memory Care Report

Rep. Kay Granger’s congressional office denied claims that she is in memory care following a report by the Dallas Express. The report alleged she was residing at Tradition-Clearfork, a senior living facility in Fort Worth that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

Clarification from Granger’s Son

Granger’s son confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that she lives in the independent living section of Tradition-Clearfork. He acknowledged she experienced “some dementia issues late in the year.” Tradition-Clearfork declined to comment on the matter.

Announcement of Retirement and Health Challenges

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In 2023, Granger, 81, announced she would not seek reelection and stepped down from her role as chair of the House Appropriations Committee in March. She cast her last congressional vote in July and will be succeeded by Rep.-elect Craig Goldman on Jan. 3, 2025.

Her office stated on Sunday that she is not in memory care, attributing her absence from Washington to “unforeseen health challenges.” Granger cited worsening health issues since September, which made regular travel to Washington “difficult and unpredictable.” Despite this, she returned briefly in November to close her office and attend her portrait unveiling at the House Appropriations Committee but did not participate in votes that day.

Reactions from Political Figures

The Dallas Express, a conservative outlet, was the first to report on Granger’s health. Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas later told CBS’s Face the Nation that he was unaware of the severity of her condition before the news broke. He expressed concern about aging lawmakers delaying decisions to step aside and stated, “Congress should do its job, and if you can’t do your job, maybe you shouldn’t be there.”

Broader Discussions on Aging Lawmakers

Granger, who has represented Texas’s 12th Congressional District since 1997, has been a trailblazer in the House. Her health challenges and absence have reignited debates about aging lawmakers and the need for transparency regarding their ability to serve.

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