Former Texas Republican Rep. Kay Granger, a trailblazing lawmaker who shattered multiple political barriers during nearly three decades in Congress, has died at 83.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Granger’s death Sunday night, joining a wave of tributes honoring the longtime congresswoman, who became the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
Before arriving in Washington, Granger built a long career in public service in Fort Worth. She served as a teacher and businesswoman before holding seats on the city’s Zoning Commission and City Council. She later became Fort Worth’s first female mayor.
Johnson reflected on that legacy in a post on X.
“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community — as a teacher and businesswoman, on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council, as Mayor, and in Congress for nearly three decades, where she also served as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee,” Johnson said. “Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service. She was the first woman to serve as Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.”
“Kelly and I send our prayers to her family, loved ones, and the Fort Worth community as we remember her extraordinary life of service and lasting legacy. She was a dear friend who will be greatly missed,” Johnson continued.
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Granger was first elected to Congress in 1996 and took office in January 1997. She ultimately served 14 terms representing North Texas before leaving office earlier this year.
Her final months in office drew public attention after she stopped voting on legislation in July 2024. She later moved into an assisted living facility after she was reportedly found wandering and confused near a former residence in Fort Worth’s Cultural District and West 7th area, according to the Dallas Express.
No official cause of death was immediately announced.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also remembered Granger as a pioneering figure in Texas politics.
“Kay Granger was a trailblazer and tenacious leader. Among her many achievements, she was the first woman to be elected Mayor of Fort Worth and the first Republican woman to serve from Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Parker posted. “Over the years that I worked with Kay, I learned from her indelible spirit, work ethic, constant sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Texas and Fort Worth. I’m fortunate to have called her a mentor and friend. To Kay’s family, my prayers are with you.”
“What a lady, and the end of an era in political service,” Parker concluded.
