FORT WORTH — U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) acknowledged Sunday that she has experienced health issues over the past year that have progressed in recent months.
Her office released the following statement on her behalf:
“As many of my family, friends, and colleagues know, I have been navigating some unexpected health challenges over the past year. However, since early September, my health… As the issue progressed, frequent trips to Washington became difficult and unpredictable. Once again, my wonderful staff remained steadfast and provided excellent resident service, as they have for the past 27 years. I continue to do so.”
A spokeswoman for Ms. Granger, 81, denied a report by the Internet news site The Dallas Express that she was living in a memory care facility. Instead, the spokesperson said she is living in an independent living facility. Tradition Clearfork in Fort Worth declined to comment to CBS News Texas, but Granger’s son told the Dallas Morning News that Granger lives at the facility. The newspaper reported that the lawmaker’s son said he had “troubled with dementia issues later this year.”
The Dallas Express first reported the story about Granger. The magazine’s CEO is Chris Putnam, who ran against Granger in the 2020 Republican primary.
Granger’s voting record in 2024 amid continued health issues
A source familiar with the situation told CBS News Texas that Granger moved into the facility around July. She also said she intended to finish her term without incident, but did not expect the health concerns to develop. She informed leadership of her agenda and said she would participate in important votes in Washington if necessary, the people said.
She resigned as chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March, four months after announcing her resignation. will retire At the end of her term. Granger became the first Republican woman to chair the committee last year. She became the committee’s top Republican in 2019.
Between April and June of this year, Granger lost 107 of 231 votes cast, or about 46%, according to GovTrack.us, a website that tracks congressional votes. From July to September of this year, Granger missed 92 of 120 eligible voters, or more than 76%, and did not cast any of the 62 eligible votes last month and this month, according to the site.
Granger became the first Republican female member of the Texas House of Representatives.
Granger was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, becoming the first Republican woman to represent Texas. State Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth; selected He will replace her as the representative for the 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Tarrant and Parker counties. Mr. Granger is scheduled to take office on January 3, 2025. Ms. Granger was elected as the first female mayor of Fort Worth in 1991 and served in that position for five years.
Last month, Ms. Granger received an official portrait in her honor as chair.
“Kay Granger has been a champion for Texas and a loyal public servant for the people of the 12th District for nearly 30 years. He is also a leader who has accomplished some of the toughest work under Presidents and Speakers of both parties, deploying the military, honoring our veterans, and responding to the needs of the American people,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson at the ceremony. said.
“I was able to return to Washington, D.C. in November to rally on behalf of my constituents, thank my staff, and oversee the closure of our Washington office,” Sunday Granger said in a statement. It’s an honor.” I plan to serve the City of Fort Worth for the rest of my life as a City Council member, Mayor, and Congressman. ”
The lawmaker also expressed his gratitude to the people.
“I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of care and concern over the past few days. Thank you for the continued prayers and support you have extended to me,” she said.
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