Former Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) passed away on Sunday.
She was 83.
Granger, who served in Congress from 1997 to 2025, retired in January of last year due to health challenges and extended absences from the nation’s capital.
“As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year. However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable,” her office said in a statement on her behalf at the time, according to CBS News.
“During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years,” the statement continued.
“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,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said.
“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,” he continued.
“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. She was a dear friend who will be greatly missed,” he added.
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…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) August 3, 2026
CBS News shared further:
A spokeswoman for Granger and Granger’s son said she was living in an independent living facility. Granger’s son told the Dallas Morning News she was “having some dementia issues late in the year.”
In 2025, Granger was named Fort Worth Inc.’s 2025 Person of the Year for her decades of public service and lasting impact on the city.
“Kay lived a life of historic firsts,” Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said in a statement. “For nearly three decades, she championed North Texas, our Armed Forces, and a strong national defense. We are praying for her family and all who loved her.”
“For her entire career – as a teacher, businesswoman, mayor, and congresswoman – Kay Granger put her Texas community first. Kay was an Iron Lady who was as graceful as she was tough. I’m grateful to have called her a friend,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) commented.
“May God bless Kay Granger and her family as we mourn her passing,” he added.
For her entire career – as a teacher, businesswoman, mayor, and congresswoman – Kay Granger put her Texas community first. Kay was an Iron Lady who was as graceful as she was tough. I’m grateful to have called her a friend.
May God bless Kay Granger and her family as we mourn…
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 3, 2026
More from The Texas Tribune:
Prior to her barrier-breaking tenure in Congress, Granger also left her mark locally. She served as the first female mayor of Fort Worth between 1991 and 1995.
ADVERTISEMENTIn a Facebook post honoring Granger, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker described her as a “trailblazer and tenacious leader” as well as “a mentor and friend.”
“What a lady, and the end of an era in political service,” Parker said.
