Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger, trailblazing Fort Worth mayor, dies at 83

FORT WORTH, Texas – Tributes are pouring in for Kay Granger, the former Fort Worth mayor and United States congresswoman who passed away over the weekend.

Granger is remembered for the barriers she broke.

Kay Granger dies at 83

Granger passed away on Sunday at the age of 83.

While no details were provided about her cause of death, her son confirmed in 2024 that she was battling dementia and had moved into an assisted living facility in Fort Worth.

What they’re saying:

House peaker Mike Johnson announced Granger’s death on social media, calling her a “dear friend” who dedicated her life to public service.

“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community,” he said in part in a statement. “Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service.”

U.S. Rep. Lisa Mclain of Michigan, the chair of the House Republican caucus, said Granger’s impact on Congress and our nation will not be forgotten.

And Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said she is fortunate to have called Granger a mentor and friend.

“I learned from her indelible spirit, work ethic, constant sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Texas and Fort Worth,” Mayor Parker said in a statement.

Fort Worth City Councilman Michael Crain first worked with Granger in the late 90s, managing her first congressional re-election campaign.

“Kay loved Fort Worth. She was not shy to say that and she represented Fort Worth. She has a long legacy there and her grit and tenacity, which is the theme for the USS Fort Worth that she helped sponsor. That grit and tenacity help keep us on the map, and even put us on the map further,” he said.

What’s next:

Arrangements for Granger’s memorial service are still being made to accommodate the many Congress members in Washington who have expressed a desire to attend.

A trailblazing political career in Texas

Big picture view:

Granger was an elected leader whose career was marked by many firsts.

In local politics and then on the national stage, she frequently found herself the first woman to hold a number of jobs, including one of the most powerful positions in Congress.

Granger started out as a teacher and businesswoman. She served on the Fort Worth zoning commission and city council. She was then elected the city’s first female mayor in 1991.

In 1996, she ran as a Republican for Fort Worth’s 12th Congressional District seat, becoming the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from Texas.

Granger served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee for 25 years, which controls federal spending.

She was named chair of the committee in January 2023, becoming the first woman to do so. She held the post until April 2024.

Granger left Congress in January 2025 after nearly three decades in office.