Kay Granger, a pioneering North Texas Republican who shattered political glass ceilings as Fort Worth’s first female mayor and later as a powerful figure in the U.S. House of Representatives, has passed away at age 83.

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced her death on Sunday evening via X, honoring her decades of steadfast dedication to her Texas constituents.

A Career Defined by Groundbreaking Firsts

Granger’s political journey began in local government when she assumed office as Fort Worth’s mayor in 1991. Six years later, she made history on the national stage by becoming the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Her influence reached a peak in January 2023, when she became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee—a position she held until stepping down in April 2024.

Defense Advocacy and Local Impact

Throughout her nearly three-decade tenure in Congress, Granger leveraged her seat on the Appropriations Committee to champion national security and defense spending. Her advocacy provided substantial backing to North Texas defense contractors, notably defending Fort Worth’s Lockheed Martin facility and its F-35 fighter jet program against budget scrutiny.

Beyond national defense, Granger funneled significant federal resources back to her home district, including securing funds for the $1.1 billion Trinity River Vision flood control initiative. While these earmarks earned her praise locally, fiscal conservatives frequently criticized her traditional spending approach for adding to the federal debt.

Health Challenges and Retirement

After serving nearly 30 years in Washington, Granger announced she would not seek reelection at the end of her term. In March 2024, she stepped down early from her committee chairmanship to give her successor time to manage upcoming budget bills.

Following extended absences from House floor votes, her son, Brandon Granger, clarified that his mother was coping with rapidly progressing dementia. He noted she had relocated to an independent living community in Fort Worth to stay active among peers. In a official statement, Granger’s office acknowledged that health difficulties had made commuting to the nation’s capital increasingly unmanageable.

Leaders Pay Tribute to a Texas Icon

Tributes from across the state and nation highlighted Granger’s lasting legacy in public service.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson commended Granger on X for consistently knocking down barriers for women in public office throughout her career.
• Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker remembered Granger as a tenacious leader, mentor, and dear friend, calling her passing the end of an era in Texas politics.
• Cole Rojewski, her former chief of staff, praised her quiet determination, noting that she repeatedly broke barriers through hard work without seeking fanfare.
• Rep. Roger Williams and Sen. Ted Cruz also expressed their condolences, highlighting her unwavering integrity, patriotism, and historic career.