Rep. Kay Granger, a Republican from Texas, has not cast a vote in Congress since July 24, 2024, raising concerns among constituents and colleagues alike.

Her absence from key votes, coupled with reports that she resides in an assisted living facility, has led to growing criticism from local leaders and renewed calls for term limits for elected officials, The Daily Caller reported.

Granger’s Absence Raises Concerns

Granger, who has served in Congress since 1997, was noticeably absent during critical legislative battles, including those involving the debt ceiling and disaster relief. Constituents from Tarrant County and Parker County, Texas, began raising alarms when they noticed her lack of participation. As key votes continued without her, the situation drew the attention of local political leaders who expressed concern over her constituents' lack of representation.

Investigation Uncovers Troubling Details

The Dallas Express investigation revealed that Granger’s Texas offices, once a focal point of her district activities, were empty and closed. “We found the door locked, the front door glass window covered, no one inside, and no sign of the office continuing to be occupied,” reported the outlet. An employee at the office park confirmed that Granger’s staff vacated the space before Thanksgiving.

The mystery surrounding Granger's whereabouts deepened when a tip led the Dallas Express to discover that the representative was living in a senior care facility. An employee of the facility confirmed, "This is her home."

Constituents Demand Accountability

The lack of representation for Granger's district, CD-12, has not gone unnoticed. Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French criticized the absence, calling it “troubling” and accusing Granger of disenfranchising the two million residents of her district. French emphasized the importance of votes on crucial issues like the debt ceiling, disaster relief, farm bills, and border security, all of which were addressed in her absence.

“This is a time when extraordinarily important votes are happening,” French said. “At a time when the margin in Congress is razor-thin, the lack of a Republican vote representing CD-12 disenfranchises 2 million people. We deserve better.” French’s comments highlight the broader concerns of voters who feel their needs are being ignored.

Debate Over Term Limits and Aging Leadership

The situation also sparked a renewed debate on Capitol Hill about age limits for elected officials. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California weighed in, calling Granger’s prolonged absence a symptom of a larger issue in Congress: a system that rewards seniority over merit. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khanna argued, "Kay Granger’s long absence reveals the problem with a Congress that rewards seniority & relationships more than merit & ideas." He also called for term limits and emphasized the need for reforms to ensure new voices have the opportunity to serve.

Khanna’s remarks echoed concerns that have been growing across the country regarding the age and health of some senior members of Congress. The issue of aging lawmakers has gained attention after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, suffered a fall in December, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, required emergency surgery after a fall in Luxembourg. Additionally, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was 90 when she died in office in 2023, became a focal point for those advocating for term limits, particularly after she ceded her power of attorney to her daughter but refused to vacate her Senate seat.

The issue of aging politicians has also extended to the executive branch, with President Joe Biden’s health and mental acuity coming under scrutiny. A recent Wall Street Journal report suggested that Biden’s aides have been handling much of the decision-making for the past two years, raising questions about the mental sharpness of older leaders in positions of power.

Granger’s Absence and the Call for Change

As Granger’s health and absence continue to dominate discussions, the debate over term limits grows louder. Critics of the current system argue that it places too much power in the hands of senior lawmakers, who may be physically or mentally unable to fully perform their duties. These critics argue that Congress should prioritize fresh ideas and a new generation of leaders over seniority and established political relationships.

Despite the growing calls for reform, Granger’s future remains uncertain. She is expected to retire at the end of the current legislative session, but the fallout from her absence may impact her legacy. The questions raised by her extended absence underscore the broader issues facing Congress as it deals with an aging and often out-of-touch leadership.

Political Landscape Could Shift Amid Calls for Reform

As Washington’s political landscape shifts, observers question whether Granger’s situation will spark broader changes in electing and holding lawmakers accountable. The public’s growing frustration with her absence and the larger conversation about aging lawmakers could drive changes in how the country approaches political leadership.

Granger’s planned retirement highlights an ongoing discussion about term limits and the age of elected officials, signaling a turning point in how Americans perceive their representatives. As calls for reform grow louder, lawmakers across the political spectrum must address the evolving expectations of their constituents.

The debate over term limits, seniority, and the health of elected officials intensifies as more stories surface about aging lawmakers struggling to fulfill their duties. Granger’s situation exemplifies the larger systemic issues, leading many to question whether the current system serves the American people’s best interests.

Constituents Left Without Representation Amid Growing Frustration

In the meantime, Granger’s constituents face a lack of clear representation during critical moments in Congress, while the broader political conversation on aging leadership and reform intensifies.