Former Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger Dies at 83

Kay Granger, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives and a trailblazer in American politics, has died at the age of 83.

Granger’s son, J.D. Granger, confirmed that she passed away on Sunday. No official cause of death was immediately released, though Granger had previously disclosed she was facing significant health challenges in her final year in office.

Granger served Texas’ 12th Congressional District from 1997 to 2025, becoming one of the state’s most influential Republican lawmakers. During her nearly three decades in Congress, she made history as the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House and later became the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, overseeing federal spending.

Before her time in Washington, Granger broke another barrier by becoming the first female mayor of Fort Worth, serving from 1991 to 1995. She was widely recognized for efforts to reduce crime, promote economic development, and attract major business investment to the city.

Throughout her congressional career, Granger was a strong advocate for defense funding and played a key role in supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, which has significant ties to the Fort Worth area. She also served in Republican leadership positions and earned respect from colleagues across party lines.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from political leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Granger as a barrier-breaker who dedicated her life to public service, while lawmakers from both parties remembered her leadership, integrity, and commitment to Congress.

Granger announced in 2023 that she would not seek reelection and retired from Congress in 2025 after nearly 30 years of service, leaving behind a legacy as one of Texas’ most accomplished political figures.