Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger, 81, has been missing votes for the past six months after being found living in an assisted living facility that specializes in memory loss.

Granger's extended absence has drawn criticism from local officials, GOP colleagues, and constituents alike as critical legislative issues continue to be debated in Washington, D.C., as the Daily Mail reports.

Having served nearly three decades in Congress, Granger has faced mounting scrutiny as her absence coincides with some of the most critical votes of her career.

The nursing home where she resides, Tradition-Clearfork, is known for its specialized care for patients with memory loss. Employees of the facility confirmed that Granger has been living there after being found “wandering, lost, and confused” in her district earlier this year. Taylor Manziel, the Assistant Executive Director at Tradition-Clearfork, confirmed that Granger has been living in the facility. "This is her home," Manziel stated.

For the past six months, Granger's office in Washington, D.C., has remained untouched, with calls going unanswered and the constituency office empty. Local media inquiries have gone unanswered, and constituents expressed concern over her prolonged absence.

Local officials are particularly worried about the lack of representation for Texas’ 12th Congressional District, which Granger has represented since 1997. Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French voiced concerns about the void left in Congress, especially as votes on the debt ceiling, disaster relief, farm bills, and border issues have taken center stage.

Local GOP Leaders Express Concern Over Absence

“The margin in Congress is razor thin, and the lack of a Republican vote representing CD-12 disenfranchises 2 million people. We deserve better,” French said.

Rolando Garcia, a Republican Committeeman from Tarrant County, echoed French’s concerns, suggesting that Granger’s health had already been in noticeable decline when she ran for re-election in 2022. "The fact that Kay Granger is unable to leave her nursing home to participate in the most important congressional vote of the year suggests she was already in visible decline when she ran for re-election in 2022," Garcia said.

“This is a sad and humiliating way to end her political career,” Garcia added. “It’s sad that nobody cared enough to ‘take away the keys’ before she reached this moment.”

Granger's absence has led some to question whether her successor, Craig Goldman, who won the district in 2024, should be sworn in early. However, Goldman has yet to comment on the possibility of an early swearing-in.

Granger's Life in Assisted Living and Impact on District

The nursing home where Granger is staying charges over $4,000 per month, offering amenities such as a 24-hour concierge service, lounges, card rooms, a movie theater, an indoor pool, and group exercise classes.

Despite her extended absence from Congress, Granger and her staff continue to receive taxpayer-funded salaries. Some critics, however, argue that Granger's inability to fulfill her congressional duties has become a disservice to her constituents.

In November 2023, Granger announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024, ending a career that includes serving as the first female mayor of Fort Worth and as Texas’ first female Republican congresswoman.

Granger's Legacy and the End of a Political Career

“I’ve had the honor of representing the people of CD-12 for nearly three decades, but it’s time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be a strong and fierce representative for the people,” Granger said in a statement at the time.

Although Granger’s district is solidly Republican, the absence of a sitting congresswoman during critical votes has raised questions about the level of engagement and leadership for the district. Granger’s influence has been particularly evident in the military sector, securing funding for the Lockheed Martin plant in her district that manufactures the F-35 fighter jet.

As the end of her term approaches in January 2025, Granger has pledged to work with Speaker Mike Johnson to advance the conservative agenda for the remainder of her time in office.

Future of Texas District 12 as Granger's Career Ends

However, the fact remains that her absence has led to growing dissatisfaction among her constituents and local political figures. The district, home to around 2 million people, has been without full representation in Washington as crucial issues continue to unfold.

Despite her health challenges, Granger’s legacy remains intact. Her political career was marked by significant accomplishments, including her leadership role as the Republican chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee until 2024.

As Granger's term draws to a close, it remains uncertain how her district will navigate the final months without her active participation in Congress. Her absence serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by aging politicians in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Local officials and voters now face the difficult task of ensuring that their voices continue to be heard, even as their longtime representative fades from the public stage.