Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger Dies at 83 After Historic Political Career
Former Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), a longtime lawmaker who broke multiple barriers for women in public service and rose to lead the powerful House Appropriations Committee, died at age 83, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Sunday.
Granger represented Texas’ 12th Congressional District for nearly three decades and became one of the most senior Republicans in the state’s congressional delegation during her final years in office.
Johnson announced Granger’s death Sunday in a post on X, describing her as a longtime friend and highlighting her record of public service.
Johnson said Granger’s public career was closely tied to Fort Worth and noted that she achieved several historic firsts, including becoming the city’s first female mayor, the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas, and the first Republican woman to lead the House Appropriations Committee.
“Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service,” Johnson wrote. “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.”
He added that Granger “was a dear friend who will be greatly missed.”
Born Jan. 18, 1943, in Greenville, Texas, Granger graduated from Texas Wesleyan University and worked as a teacher and business owner before entering politics, according to Newsmax.
Her involvement in public affairs began after she organized residents in opposition to a proposed liquid-waste processing facility near her home. She later served on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and the Fort Worth City Council.
Granger was elected mayor of Fort Worth in 1991, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
She served until 1995 before winning an open congressional seat in 1996.
Granger took office in January 1997 and went on to win 14 consecutive terms representing Texas’ 12th Congressional District.
During her 28 years in Congress, Granger spent 25 years on the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for overseeing federal spending.
She became the committee’s top Republican in 2019 and assumed the chairmanship in 2023. Her tenure made her the first Republican woman to lead the panel and only the fourth Texan to chair it.
Granger stepped down as chair in early 2024 but continued as chair emeritus through the conclusion of her final term.
During her congressional career, she supported military readiness, veterans’ programs, and defense spending while helping secure federal funding for projects in North Texas.
In late 2023, Granger announced that she would not seek reelection. Her final year in office was affected by health challenges and a lengthy absence from Washington.
She did not cast another House vote after July 24, 2024, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. It was later reported that she was living in an assisted-living facility in Fort Worth.
Her son subsequently said she was experiencing dementia-related issues.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called Granger a “trailblazer and tenacious leader” and said she had been a mentor and friend.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) referred to Granger as an “Iron Lady” and said he was grateful to have known her as a friend.
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