FORT WORTH, Texas — Former Rep. Kay Granger, the longtime Texas Republican who broke historic barriers in local and national politics and became the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died at the age of 83.
Granger’s son, J.D. Granger, confirmed her death. A cause was not immediately released. Her family had previously disclosed that dementia-related issues contributed to her prolonged absence from Washington during the final months of her congressional career.
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Republican leaders, Texas officials and former colleagues, many of whom highlighted her nearly three decades in Congress and her lasting influence on Fort Worth and North Texas.
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Granger as a close friend and dedicated public servant whose career spanned education, business, local government and Capitol Hill.
“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community,” Johnson said, recalling her work as a teacher and businesswoman before her years on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission, City Council, mayor’s office and ultimately Congress.
Johnson also emphasized the historic milestones Granger achieved throughout her career. She became the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House and the first Republican woman to lead the House Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, similarly praised Granger’s record, saying she spent decades advocating for North Texas, the U.S. military and a strong national defense.
Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Texas, who succeeded Granger in the 12th Congressional District, described her as a Texas political legend whose contributions would continue to shape the community.
From Fort Worth Politics to Capitol Hill
Born Norvell Kay Granger on Jan. 18, 1943, in Greenville, Texas, Granger grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Eastern Hills High School before earning a degree from Texas Wesleyan University in 1965.
Before entering elected office, she worked as a high school teacher and later established a career in the insurance business. After becoming a single mother following her divorce, she raised three children while building her professional life and becoming increasingly involved in public service.
Granger entered Fort Worth politics through the city’s Zoning Commission, where she served from 1981 to 1989. She subsequently joined the City Council before making history in 1991 by becoming Fort Worth’s first female mayor.
As mayor, Granger focused on economic development, public safety and efforts to address crime while promoting growth across the city. Her work in local government helped establish the political foundation for her eventual move to Washington.
In 1996, Granger won election to Congress and began representing Texas’ 12th Congressional District in 1997. She went on to serve 14 terms before retiring in January 2025.
A Powerful Voice on Appropriations and Defense
During her congressional career, Granger developed a reputation for focusing on fiscal matters, national security, defense spending and constituent services.
She spent approximately 25 years on the House Appropriations Committee, eventually rising to its chairmanship after Republicans regained control of the chamber in 2023.
Granger also played a significant role in defense policy. She became the first woman to chair the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and was a strong supporter of military programs important to the North Texas economy.
Among her priorities was the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program, manufactured by Lockheed Martin in her district. Her advocacy reflected her broader emphasis on maintaining U.S. military strength while supporting defense-related jobs and industries in Texas.
Granger stepped down as Appropriations chairwoman in April 2024.
Later that year, concerns surrounding her health and extended absence from Washington drew public attention. Her family subsequently provided more information about the dementia-related challenges she had been facing.
In 2023, Granger announced that she would not seek another term in Congress, saying she intended to complete her final term while continuing to serve her constituents.
Her retirement marked the end of one of the longest congressional careers in Texas political history.
For Fort Worth and the Republican Party, Granger’s death represents the loss of a pioneering figure whose career stretched from city government to one of the most influential positions in the U.S. House.
Her legacy will be remembered not only for the historic barriers she broke, but also for the decades she spent representing North Texas and advocating for the priorities she believed mattered most to her constituents and the nation.
