News4’s Mark Segraves has known Gray and covered him for decades. He explains what the news means for the Council.
D.C. Council Member and former mayor Vincent Gray announced Thursday he's suffering from dementia and he won't vote on any legislation for the rest of his term.
“I am experiencing early-stage, age-related dementia. Every person in a position of responsibility who has cognitive decline must make their own decision about how and when to adjust," Gray said in a statement. "It is my duty to represent the best interests of District residents, often on complex matters. I do not want to cast a vote on an issue which I may not be able to fully consider.”
Gray said in the statement that he and his staff would continue to serve Ward 7 residents through the 68 days remaining in the Council's term.
"[...] however, due to circumstances related to my health, I will no longer vote on legislation or other matters before the Council. This is not an easy decision, but it is the right decision," he said.
"While I am saddened to hear of Councilmember Gray’s diagnosis, I applaud his honesty about his health, which cannot be easy to share. I will continue to be available and responsive to residents in Ward 7 and residents East of the River," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said in a statement to News4.
Gray, 81, said late last year that he would not seek reelection in 2024.
His health has deteriorated over the past few years. In 2021, Gray suffered a mild stroke. Then, he had a series of falls and injuries the following year.
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In January 2023, Mendelson reduced Gray's responsibilities on the Council, prompting Gray to file complaints with the D.C. Office of Human Rights and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Gray has attended most recent Council hearings virtually and offers little input aside from his votes. He did not participate during a security briefing the Council held Tuesday with Mayor Muriel Bowser.
News4's Mark Segraves has known Gray and covered him for decades.
“I’ve known Vince Gray my entire career, more than 25 years," Segraves said. "About six months ago, I ran into him at an event and he didn’t recognize me. Shortly after that, a month or two later, I ran into him at a second event and he recognized me right away and we were able to chat for some time.”
“It’s really a bad turn. Many of us go through this with family members and friends and, seeing this coming on with someone who has been such a vital figure in Washington, D.C. ... somebody who dedicated his entire career to public service. This is a really sad day," Segraves said.
He served as D.C.’s mayor from 2011 to 2015.
