Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first woman 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 was provided.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council and became mayor in 1991, holding the position until 1995. She was sworn into the U.S. House on January 3, 1997, where she represented Texas' 12th Congressional District and was the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House.
Granger served in Congress until her retirement in January 2025, with Rep. Craig Goldman succeeding her.
In 2023, she took on the role of chair of the House Appropriations Committee, marking her as the first Republican woman to lead this committee. She announced her intention to step down from this role in March 2024, with Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma succeeding her.
Granger was instrumental in various projects benefiting Fort Worth, including attracting FedEx to the Alliance development and advocating for the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin facility, a major employer in the area. She also worked on the Panther Island redevelopment project, which has a budget of approximately $1.16 billion.
In her later years, Granger faced health challenges, including dementia, and lived in a senior facility in Fort Worth. Local leaders, including Mayor Mattie Parker, expressed their condolences and acknowledged her significant contributions to the community. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
