FORT WORTH, Texas — Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, who became the first woman to serve as Fort Worth mayor and the first Republican woman from Texas elected to Congress, has died at 83, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Sunday.
Johnson confirmed Granger’s death in a Facebook post, remembering her nearly five decades of public service in Fort Worth, Texas and Washington.
Granger served as Fort Worth mayor from 1991 to 1995 before winning election to the U.S. House in 1996. She took office in 1997 and represented Texas’ 12th Congressional District for nearly 28 years.
In Congress, Granger became the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House. She also became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, serving in the position from January 2023 until April 2024.
Granger announced her retirement in October 2023 and left Congress in January 2025. Republican Craig Goldman succeeded her.
Johnson said Granger broke barriers for women in public service and extended his condolences to her family and the Fort Worth community.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also described Granger as a trailblazer and credited her with mentoring local leaders.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said Granger spent nearly three decades representing North Texas and advocating for the military and national defense.
Granger began her public service career as a teacher and businesswoman before serving on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council.
Her health drew public attention in December 2024 after her staff said she had been dealing with unforeseen health challenges. She had not participated in a House vote since July of that year.
Granger retired from Congress after serving 14 consecutive terms.
