Kay Granger, First Texas Republican Woman in House, Dies at 83

Kay Granger, who represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly three decades, died on Sunday at the age of 83. Her family announced her passing, with her son, JD Granger, stating that the cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease. Granger made history as the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas, a significant achievement in the state's political landscape. She served in the House from 1997 until her retirement, which was announced in 2023 when she stated she would not seek re-election in the 2024 election cycle. Throughout her tenure, Granger was a prominent figure in Republican politics, holding influential positions within the House. She served as the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee from 2019 to 2023, a powerful role that gave her significant sway over federal spending. Prior to her congressional career, Granger was involved in local and state politics. She served on the Fort Worth City Council and later as the Mayor of Fort Worth from 1991 to 1995, becoming the first woman to hold that office. Her political journey began with her election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1994, where she served one term before successfully running for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996. Granger's career was marked by her focus on fiscal conservatism and national security. She was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Her legislative work often centered on defense spending and appropriations, reflecting her commitment to strengthening the nation's military capabilities. Her retirement from Congress marked the end of an era for Texas Republicans, as she was a long-standing and influential voice in the party. The news of her death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, acknowledging her significant contributions to public service and her groundbreaking role as a female leader in American politics. Her legacy includes breaking barriers for women in politics and advocating for her constituents in Texas's 12th congressional district for over 25 years. The family has not yet announced funeral or memorial service details.