Texas Congressman Kay Granger Discovered in Dementia Care Facility After 6-Month Absence

In a startling revelation, Rep. Kay Granger, the long-standing Republican representative for Texas's 12th Congressional District, has been discovered residing in a dementia care facility, after a six-month absence from public life. Granger, who has served in Congress since 1997, has not been seen since July, following her vote against a controversial amendment that sought to drastically reduce the salary of a government position related to pesticide programs. Granger's sudden disappearance raised alarm and speculation among her constituents and political peers. Questions about her well-being intensified as her office became unresponsive, leading to concerns about her ability to perform her congressional duties. The mystery surrounding her absence was brought to light through the investigative efforts of Carlos Turcios, a reporter for the Dallas Express. Despite multiple attempts to reach her through official channels, Turcios was met with silence, prompting him to dig deeper into her whereabouts. His investigation ultimately led him to an assisted living facility specializing in dementia care, where staff confirmed that Granger had been living there for an extended period. According to Taylor Manziel, the facility's assistant executive director, "This is her home," although attempts to speak with Granger for further insights on her congressional responsibilities were unsuccessful due to facility policies. Compounding the distressing nature of this discovery is the revelation that Granger was found wandering in her former Fort Worth neighborhood, displaying signs of confusion. This situation has prompted criticism from various factions within the Republican Party about the handling of her condition. Prominent Republican leaders expressed their dismay at the lack of transparency, with State Republican Executive Committeeman Rolando Garcia stating that Granger's situation represents a "sad and humiliating way to end her political career." Garcia further commented on the implications of Granger's health deteriorating to a point where she could not participate in significant congressional votes, suggesting that her decline was evident during her re-election campaign in 2022, raising ethical questions about her candidacy. Granger had previously announced her plans to retire at the conclusion of her current term, with her seat set to be filled by Craig Goldman, a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, come January. The revelations about Granger's condition and the circumstances surrounding her absence serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by aging politicians, as well as the critical need for transparency when it comes to the health and capabilities of public officials.