WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, a pioneering figure in Texas Republican politics and a longtime force in Congress, has died at 83, her family confirmed.
Granger’s son, J.D. Granger, confirmed her death. A cause was not immediately disclosed. Her family had previously said dementia-related issues contributed to her extended absence from Washington during much of 2024, after she cited unforeseen health challenges during the final months of her congressional career.
Granger leaves behind nearly three decades of public service and a legacy marked by historic achievements. She became the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House, and the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
Tributes quickly poured in from Texas and Washington, with lawmakers remembering Granger as a dedicated public servant and influential voice on federal spending, military policy and national defense.
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Granger as a close friend and highlighted a career that began before Congress, including her work as a teacher and businesswoman. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, praised her decades of service to North Texas and her commitment to the military and national security.
Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Texas, who succeeded Granger in the 12th Congressional District, described her as a legend whose influence would continue to shape the Fort Worth community.
🏛️ From Fort Worth to Capitol Hill
Born Norvell Kay Granger on Jan. 18, 1943, in Greenville, Texas, Granger was raised in Fort Worth. She graduated from Eastern Hills High School and earned a degree from Texas Wesleyan University in 1965.
Before entering politics, she worked as a high school teacher and later built a career in the insurance industry. Following her divorce, Granger raised three children while pursuing a growing role in public service.
Her political career began on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission. She later served on the city council before making history in 1991 as Fort Worth’s first female mayor.
In 1996, Granger won election to Congress, beginning a 14-term career representing Texas’ 12th Congressional District. She served from 1997 until her retirement in January 2025.
🛡️ A Powerful Voice on Defense
Granger spent 25 years on the House Appropriations Committee and rose to become its chairwoman after Republicans regained control of the House in 2023. She also became the first woman to chair the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
A strong supporter of the F-35 Lightning II program, Granger championed a project closely tied to Fort Worth’s defense industry.
She announced in 2023 that she would not seek another term, choosing to retire after completing her final congressional term.
For Fort Worth, Texas Republicans and the nation, Granger’s death marks the passing of a political trailblazer whose historic career helped open doors for women in Republican leadership while leaving a lasting mark on defense policy and public service.
