Kay Granger’s Retirement Marked By Health Challenges, Family Shares

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, has been noticeably absent from congressional votes since July 24, raising questions from constituents and sparking concerns about representation in Texas Congressional District 12. The 81-year-old congresswoman announced her retirement last year. 

Absence Raises Concern

Residents of Tarrant and Parker Counties have begun to express frustration over the lack of communication regarding Granger’s absence. According to The Dallas Express News, speculation about her health and capacity to serve was circulating widely on social media.

“I’m hearing she’s in a memory care unit,” one constituent posted on X. “Representatives who miss three votes in a row without announcing a legitimate medical reason should have their salaries and benefits frozen. This has to stop!”

According to official congressional records, Granger last participated in a roll call vote on July 24, when she opposed an amendment to H.R. 8998. Since then, her absence from Washington has left her district without representation during significant votes on budget appropriations, disaster relief, and border issues.

Brandon Granger, Kay Granger’s son, recently disclosed to The Dallas Morning News that his mom’s absence is due to her experiencing “dementia issues” that progressed rapidly over the year.

Granger, the longest-serving Republican woman in Congress, in a statement, acknowledged the difficulties she’s faced, stating that frequent travel to Washington, D.C., had become “both difficult and unpredictable” since September.

Her son confirmed that Granger has moved to Tradition Senior Living in Fort Worth, where she resides in the independent living section. He described the community as a vibrant space that has been beneficial for her at this stage in life, offering social engagement and activities.

After announcing she would retire back in November, State Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth, entered the race to succeed her. Goldman secured the Republican nomination by defeating businessman John O’Shea in a primary runoff and went on to win the general election against Democrat Trey Hunt. He is set to take office on Jan. 3.

A Legacy of Leadership

Granger, who has served in Congress since 1997, holds numerous distinctions in her career. She was Fort Worth’s first female mayor and the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from Texas. Last year, she became the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal spending.

As chair, Granger was a staunch advocate for national security and robust defense spending.  

Despite her achievements, Granger faced criticism from hardline conservatives who accused her of being too willing to compromise with Democrats. These tensions came to a head last year when she opposed House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan’s bid for House speaker, intensifying backlash from within her party, as first reported by The Dallas Morning News.