Former Republican Rep. Kay Granger, 83, has died, according to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
Johnson called Granger a “devoted” servant of her community, who served as chair of the House Appropriations Committee during her nearly three decades in Congress.
“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,” Johnson said.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also shared a statement about Granger’s death that reads: “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. 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.”
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller also shared a statement about Granger’s death that reads: Debra and I were saddened to learn of the passing this evening of former Fort Worth Mayor and former Congresswoman Kay Granger. Kay was a trailblazer who was the first woman Mayor of Fort Worth and who went on to represent Texas’ 12th Congressional District for 28 years, becoming the first Republican woman to lead the House Appropriations Committee. She was 83 years of age. I ask you to join me in praying for her family and many friends as they mourn her passing and celebrate her incredible life. May God grant them that special peace which passes all understanding.”
Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare also shared a statement about Granger’s death that reads: “Kay Granger was a true trailblazer. She was the first woman Mayor of Fort Worth and first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House in Texas. Fort Worth has lost one of its most well-known champions. Christen and I send our sincere condolences to her family and friends.”
Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz also shared a statement about Granger’s death that reads in part: “From serving as Fort Worth’s first woman mayor to becoming the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, Kay lived a life of historic firsts. For nearly three decades, she championed North Texas, our Armed Forces, and a strong national defense.”
Congressman Henry Cuellar also shared a statement about Granger’s death that reads in part: “Kay was a trailblazer for Fort Worth, for Texas, and for women in public service. She served as Mayor of Fort Worth, represented Texas’ 12th Congressional District for nearly three decades, and became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.”
Conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss also shared a statement about Granger’s death that reads in part: “Congresswoman Kay Granger lived a life of extraordinary service to Texas and our nation. She led with grace, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to the people she represented.”
Granger was diagnosed with dementia; it’s unclear how she died.
Granger lived in an independent senior living facility in Fort Worth in 2024. She had already announced she would not be seeking re-election. Granger had been the nation’s longest-serving GOP congresswoman, first elected in 1996.
Granger was endorsed by Pres. Donald Trump in 2019.
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