NORTH TEXAS – Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said Monday that she had heard that U.S. Rep. Kay Granger was having health issues, but she didn’t know it was more serious.
“I’m so proud of her for standing up and acknowledging that,” Price said.
@RepKayGranger of X
on sunday, 81-year-old congressman releases statement Part of that sentence reads, “As many of my family, friends, and colleagues know, I have navigated some unexpected health challenges over the past year. However, 9 Since the beginning of the month, my health challenges have progressed and made frequent travel to Washington difficult.” During this time, my wonderful staff remained steadfast and continued to provide excellent resident service, as they have for the past 27 years. ”
Her announcement followed a report in the conservative publication Dallas Express that Granger had been missing the polls since late July. The magazine’s CEO is Chris Putnam, who challenged Granger in the 2020 Republican primary.
Granger’s son told The Dallas Morning News that Granger “had some dementia issues later this year” and was a resident of an independent living facility in Fort Worth called Clear Fork Tradition. spoke. When we contacted him, he declined details.
Granger was first elected in 1996 and announced last November that he would not run for re-election and would retire when his term expires at the end of this month.
Sources familiar with the situation told CBS News Texas that Granger intended to serve out his term without incident, but was unaware of developing health issues. Officials also said Mr. Granger had informed House leadership of his challenge and that he intended to appear if necessary for important votes in Washington. Her last vote at the Capitol was July 24, according to records on the official Congress website.
Price said Granger’s decision to come forward and remain in office was personal.
“I think it was a choice she made based on timing,” Price said. “We shouldn’t look at it in terms of could, should, or want to. We should celebrate what Kay did in her service to this country. ”
Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George said Monday that he wished the lawmaker had shown more transparency.
“Honestly, if she wasn’t there, I think she should have resigned,” George said. “Okay, she was going to retire. She said she wasn’t going to run anymore. If it was this serious, she should have resigned and called a special election. It also has to do with whether or not she has the mental capacity to read.” Is it to understand what she’s voting for, or is it because officials are telling her this is what we should do and this is what we should do? Are you saying that is what you want? I know I’m very critical, and I think the public will agree with me on this. ”
Granger stepped down as chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March, and last month posted various photos of him or his office receiving official portraits honoring his service as chairman.
“I was able to return to Washington, D.C., in November to meet on behalf of my constituents, express my gratitude to my staff, and oversee the closure of our Washington office,” 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. ”
Granger was the first Republican woman to chair the committee and the first Republican woman to serve as a representative from Texas. She was also the first woman to be elected mayor of Fort Worth, serving in that position for five years.
“She was a pioneer for women,” Price said. “She is a champion for this region and could not have been a stronger advocate for the City of Fort Worth and our region. Whether in her capacity as Mayor, City Council member, or Washington, Kay will do a great job.” ”
George agreed.
“She has a great legacy,” George said. “She was a very good champion of the Republican cause and conservative values. She brought a lot of work to her district and to Texas. She did a great job for Texas. No one questions her work ethic and who she is for her district and the state of Texas. ”
Former Republican state Rep.-elect Craig Goldman of Fort Worth will replace Granger to represent the 12th Congressional District. He is scheduled to be sworn in on January 3rd.
Watch Eye On Politics on CBS News Texas, broadcast and streaming Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
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