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Former GOP Congresswoman Kay Granger Dies at 83 After Decades of Public Service

Former Rep. Kay Granger, a pioneering Texas Republican who broke multiple barriers for women in public office, has died at the age of 83 after representing Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly three…

Andrew PowellAug 3, 20263 min read

Death Politics Republican U.S. News

Former Rep. Kay Granger, a pioneering Texas Republican who broke multiple barriers for women in public office, has died at the age of 83 after representing Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly three decades.

According to Fox News, Granger retired from Congress in January 2025 after facing health challenges that limited her ability to travel to Washington during her final months in office.

Before serving in Congress, Granger made history as the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth. She later became the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House and the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

In December 2024, Granger publicly addressed her declining health, explaining that frequent travel to the nation's capital had become increasingly difficult.

"As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year," she said at the time.

She added that her condition had worsened beginning in September 2024, while praising her congressional staff for continuing to provide constituent services throughout her absence.

Following news of her Death, lawmakers from both political parties paid tribute to Granger's decades of public service and historic accomplishments.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Granger's career, noting that she served her Fort Worth community as a teacher, businesswoman, city official, mayor and member of Congress before becoming chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

"Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service," Johnson said. He also extended condolences to her family and called Granger "a dear friend" who would be greatly missed.

Rep. Lisa McClain, chair of the House Republican Caucus, described Granger as "a pioneer, a dedicated public servant, and a trailblazing leader who opened doors for generations of Republican women to follow."

Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, also honored Granger's legacy.

DeLauro said she was "deeply saddened" by the news and praised the former congresswoman's integrity and commitment to public service.

DeLauro highlighted Granger's historic role as the first woman to chair the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the first Republican woman to lead the full House Appropriations Committee.

She said Granger earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle through her leadership and dedication to Congress' constitutional responsibilities.

Granger's career spanned nearly three decades in Congress, leaving a lasting mark on both Texas Politics and the history of women serving in national leadership roles.