As the midterm election season intensifies and lawmakers scramble to position themselves on a flood of high-stakes legislation, Congress has been unusually active recently.
nation paused Sunday to mourn the loss of one of its most steadfast and trailblazing members.
Former Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas and the first Republican woman to lead the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died at the age of 83.
Her son, J.D. Granger, confirmed her death. A cause was not immediately released, though Granger had acknowledged experiencing “unforeseen health challenges” during the final months of her congressional career.
Her family later revealed that dementia-related issues contributed to her absence from Washington for much of 2024.
Granger’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Republican leaders and Texas officials, who highlighted her nearly three decades of public service and her role as a trailblazer for women in politics.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called Granger a close friend and praised her lifetime of service to Fort Worth, Texas, and the nation.
“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 wrote on X.
Johnson noted that Granger broke several barriers throughout her career, becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the House, and the first Republican woman to chair the Appropriations Committee.
“Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service,” Johnson wrote, offering condolences to Granger’s family and the Fort Worth community.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also honored Granger’s legacy, describing her as a leader who dedicated decades to North Texas, the military, and national defense.
“For nearly three decades, she championed North Texas, our Armed Forces, and a strong national defense,” Cruz said.
Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Texas, who succeeded Granger in the 12th Congressional District,
called her a legend who transformed the community she represented.
“Kay will be greatly missed, but her incredible legacy will not be forgotten,” Goldman said.
Born Norvell Kay Granger on Jan. 18, 1943, in Greenville, Texas, Granger grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Eastern Hills High School before earning a degree from Texas Wesleyan University in 1965.
Before entering politics, she worked as a high school teacher and later built a successful small business in the insurance industry. After becoming a single mother following her divorce, she raised three children while pursuing a career in public service.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission, serving from 1981 to 1989, before joining the City Council. In 1991, she became the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, serving until 1995.
During her tenure as mayor, Granger focused on economic development and public safety initiatives, including efforts aimed at reducing crime and improving the city’s growth.
She was elected to Congress in 1996 and represented Texas’s 12th District for 14 terms, serving from 1997 until her retirement in January 2025.
In Washington, Granger built a reputation as a conservative lawmaker focused on fiscal issues, national security, and constituent services. She spent 25 years on the House Appropriations Committee, eventually rising to become chairwoman after Republicans regained control of the House in 2023.
She stepped down from the chairmanship in April 2024.
Among Granger’s most significant legislative priorities was strengthening the nation’s military capabilities and supporting Fort Worth’s defense industry.
As the first woman to serve as chairwoman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, she became a leading advocate for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program produced by Lockheed Martin in her district.
In 2023, Granger announced she would not seek reelection, saying she wanted to complete her final term while continuing to serve her constituents.
