Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, who served as Fort Worth’s first female mayor and represented North Texas in Congress for nearly three decades, died Sunday at the age of 83.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed her death in a statement Sunday evening. Granger’s family had previously disclosed that she was living with dementia after stepping down from office.
Granger, a Republican, represented Texas’ 12th Congressional District from 1997 until early 2025. She was the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from Texas and later became the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, a role she held starting in 2023.
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
Before Congress, Granger built a career in Fort Worth as a teacher, businesswoman and local official. She served on the city’s zoning commission and City Council before winning election as mayor in 1991, becoming the first woman to hold the office. She focused on economic development and public safety during her time at City Hall.
In Congress, Granger was a strong advocate for the defense industry, particularly Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program based in Fort Worth, and supported local projects including the Panther Island development along the Trinity River. She rose through the Appropriations ranks over many years and was known for bipartisan work on spending bills.
Granger announced in 2023 that she would not seek re-election. She stepped down as Appropriations chair in 2024 amid health challenges. Her son later confirmed she was dealing with progressive dementia and had moved to a senior living facility in Fort Worth.
Tributes from Texas and national leaders highlighted her barrier-breaking career and dedication to Fort Worth. Current Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and other officials also issued statements remembering her service.
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