CNN
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Kay Granger, a retired Texas lawmaker and former House Appropriations Committee chair, has been suffering from “dementia issues” in recent months and is living in an independent living facility, her son Brandon Granger said Sunday. told the Dallas Morning News.
“This has been a tough year,” he said, according to the Texas publication. Brandon Granger also said his mother lives at Tradition Senior Living in Fort Worth, Texas, but is not in a memory care facility as some media outlets have reported.
Rep. Granger’s son and his congressional office said the 81-year-old lawmaker is not receiving treatment for his memory.
“I have no problem with people wanting to live in a community with people their own age,” Brandon Granger said, according to the Dallas Morning News.
In a statement released by his office, Granger said he has been dealing with ongoing health issues since September and thanked his family and constituents for their support.
“Thank you very much for your consideration and concern over the past few days. As many of my family, friends, and colleagues know, I have I have overcome some unexpected health challenges over the years. However, since early September, my health issues have progressed and made frequent travel to Washington difficult and unpredictable. During this time, my staff remained steadfast and continued to provide excellent resident service as we have for the past 27 years,” Granger said in a written statement provided to CNN by his office.
A person familiar with the congressman’s situation told CNN that he has moved into an independent living facility to downsize and prepare for the future. The official added that had lawmakers known they would not be able to vote in the final six weeks of the 118th Congress, they would have made other arrangements.
Granger last voted in the full House on July 24, according to a CNN review of her voting record. Granger announced last year that he would not seek re-election and resigned as chairman of the influential House Appropriations Committee this spring. She did not vote for recent policies to prevent a government shutdown.
“As I announce my decision not to seek re-election, I am encouraged by the next generation of leaders in our district. It is time for the next generation to step up, take up the mantle and become strong and fierce representatives of our people. has arrived,” Granger said in a November 2023 statement.
Granger hasn’t voted since July, but has been back to Washington at least once since then. In mid-November, she attended the unveiling of her official portrait and was congratulated by her colleagues on her career atop the powerful Appropriations Committee.
Granger is the first Republican woman to serve in the Texas House of Representatives and has represented the 12th Congressional District, which includes Fort Worth, since 1997. Her replacement will be Texas Congressman Craig Goldman, a Republican.
