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Former Texas Representative Kay Granger, Trailblazing Republican, Passes Away at 83

Former U.S. House member Kay Granger died at 83, ending a nearly three-decade congressional career.

Kay Granger, a longtime Republican congresswoman from Texas, died at 83 after a distinguished public service career. Beginning as a teacher and businesswoman, she later served on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission, City Council, and became the city’s first female mayor. Elected to the U.S. House in 1996, she served nearly three decades and chaired the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

She was the first Republican woman to represent Texas in Congress and the first to lead that committee. Granger left office in 2024. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced her passing, praised her barrier-breaking legacy, and offered prayers for her family and the Fort Worth community.

Why it matters

Her death marks the loss of a pioneering Texas lawmaker who shaped federal budgeting and women's political representation.

In this story

Kay GrangerTexasU.S. HouseHouse Appropriations CommitteeMike JohnsonFort Worth mayorRepublican womancongressional servicepolitical pioneer