Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first female mayor and served nearly three decades in Congress, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Her death was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, though no cause has been provided.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council before becoming mayor in 1991, a position she held until 1995. She was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 1997, representing Texas' 12th Congressional District.
Granger was notable for being the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House, serving until her retirement in January 2025, when Rep. Craig Goldman took over.
In January 2023, she became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, responsible for federal spending legislation. She announced plans to step down from this role in March 2024, with Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma succeeding her.
Granger was instrumental in various local projects, including attracting FedEx to the Alliance development and supporting neighborhood revitalization efforts. She was a strong advocate for the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin plant, the largest employer in Fort Worth, and worked on the Panther Island flood control project.
In her later years, Granger faced health challenges and had been residing in a senior living facility due to dementia. Local leaders, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Sen. Ted Cruz, have expressed their condolences and acknowledged her significant contributions to the community. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
