Key facts
- Kay Granger, the first Republican woman from Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, has died at age 83.
- She was the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.
- Granger represented her Texas district from 1997 until 2025.
- She previously served as the first female mayor of Fort Worth from 1991 to 1995.
- Granger cited health challenges when announcing she would not seek reelection in 2024.
Kay Granger, the first Republican woman from Texas to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and the first woman from her party to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died at age 83. Her son, J.D. Granger, confirmed her passing on Sunday. Granger represented her Texas district from 1997 until 2025 and had announced she would not seek reelection in 2024, citing unspecified health challenges.
During her final term, Granger led the House Appropriations Committee for over a year, overseeing spending legislation. House Speaker Mike Johnson lauded her as a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in public service, noting she was also the first female mayor of Fort Worth. Representative Rosa DeLauro acknowledged Granger's ability to earn respect across the aisle through steady leadership.
Granger's career began with teaching and later managing an insurance business before entering politics. She served as Fort Worth's first female mayor from 1991 to 1995, implementing programs credited with reducing crime and attracting businesses. She was first elected to Congress in 1996.