Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first female mayor and served nearly 28 years in Congress, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Her death was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, although no cause has been disclosed.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council before being elected 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, becoming the first Republican woman from Texas to serve in the House.
Granger held her congressional seat 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 another first as the first Republican woman to lead this committee. She announced her intention to step down from this position in March 2024, passing the gavel to Rep. Tom Cole.
Granger's contributions to Fort Worth included efforts to attract FedEx to the Alliance development and initiatives aimed at neighborhood revitalization. She was a strong supporter of the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, the city's largest employer. Additionally, she worked on the Panther Island flood control project, which has an estimated cost of $1.16 billion.
In her later years, Granger faced health challenges, including dementia, and had been residing in a senior living facility since July 2024. Local leaders, including Mayor Mattie Parker, expressed their condolences, highlighting her impactful legacy and commitment to public service. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
