Two weeks before the start of the 119th U.S. Congress, a story began circulating online that Republican Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, who had not voted since July 2024, had been “found” in a dementia care facility. Ta. For example, TikTok’s conservative X account Libs posted the following rumor on December 21, 2024 (archived):
As of this writing, the post has received over 37 million views and 60,000 likes. Many people seem to take this claim at face value. ”How is not disclosing her situation a crime?” User X asked Accordingly. “How could she be like that? re-elected If you can’t find a girlfriend, will you go to work? ”
This claim was also posted on Reddit. post It suggested a cover-up, and facebook. Additionally, Snopes readers searched for “Is Kay Granger in a memory care facility?”
The rumors originated with the Dallas Express, a conservative website launched in 2021 using the name of a historically Black-owned newspaper that publishes “pink slime” news, or bad news. was. In 2020, the paper’s CEO Chris Putnam unsuccessfully tried to unseat Granger in the Republican primary.
The Dallas Express reported that Granger said:‘s team “packed up and closed its office before Thanksgiving.” The report cites an anonymous “constituent” who said Granger lives in a memory care and assisted living facility.After she was once found wandering lost and confused in the Cultural District/West 7th District. ”
The outlet accurately reported that Granger cast her last vote on July 24, 2024, according to the clerk’s office and her own website, which included a voting record page. , now deleted (archived).
However, reports about where she lived were quickly denied in an interview with the Dallas Morning News by Granger’s son, Brandon Granger. He acknowledged that his mother, 81, was dealing with “dementia issues” but acknowledged that she lived at Tradition Senior Living in Fort Worth, a facility that includes independent living and memory care facilities. Ta. He said Granger lived an independent life.
Granger, who served 14 terms in Congress, was not seeking re-election in 2024. In a written statement released to CNN, Granger’s office said she had indeed been suffering from health issues for several months.
Thank you very much for your consideration and consideration over the past few days. As many of my family, friends, and colleagues know, I have navigated some unexpected health challenges over the past year. However, since early September, my health issues have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington difficult and unpredictable. Throughout this time, my staff has remained steadfast and continued to provide excellent resident service as we have for the past 27 years.
However, Mr. Granger will visit Washington in November 2024, attend a celebration Regarding her leadership on the Appropriations Committee. We have contacted her office for more information and will update this report if we hear back.
source of information
A specific type of disinformation: pink slime journalism. October 14, 2024, https://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/a-particular-kind-of-disinformation-pink-slime-journalism.
“Chris Putnam – CEO Archives”. Dallas Express, https://dallasexpress.com/guest-authors/chris-putnam-chief-executive-officer/. Accessed December 23, 2024.
dallas express. “Exclusive: Where is Congresswoman Kay Granger?” Dallas Express, December 20, 2024, https://dallasexpress.com/tarrant/exclusive-where-is-congresswomen-kay-granger/.
Fossum, Sam. “Retired Texas congressman who hasn’t voted since July and is experiencing ‘dementia issues,’ says son | CNN Politics.” CNN, December 22, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/22/politics/kay-granger-congresswomen-dementia-issues/index.html.
Members celebrate ‘Texas Tough’ Kay Granger | House Appropriations Committee – Republican. November 19, 2024, http://apppropriations.house.gov/news/blogs/members-celebrate-texas-tough-kay-granger.
Monacelli, Stephen. “‘The Dallas Express’: The go-to source for right-wing, astroturf news.” Texas Observer, March 17, 2023, https://www.texasobserver.org/the-dallas-express-your-go-to-source-for-right-wing-astroturf-news/.
“Retiring U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger experiences “dementia issues” in her family.” Dallas News, December 23, 2024, https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2024/12/22/republican-rep-kay-granger-texas-missed-votes-dementia/.
Rogers, Tim. “The Dallas Express, a historic black-owned newspaper, has become a questionable news site.” D Magazine, January 13, 2021, https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2021/01/dallas-express- history-black-owned-newspaper-has-become-dubious-news-site/.
Written by Sperber, Abby Livingston, Juan Pablo Garnham, Kia Collier, and Sami. “U.S. Reps. Kay Granger and Henry Cuellar Claim Victory in Congressional Primary.” Texas Tribune, March 4, 2020, https://www.texastribune.org/2020/03/03/texas-congressional-primary-results/.
Washington, U.S. Capitol H154 and DC 20515-6601 p:225-7000. “Roll Call 390 Roll Call 390, Bill Number: HR 8998, 118th Congress, 2nd Session.” Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, July 24, 2024, https://clark.house.gov/Votes/2024390?Page=14.