Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first female mayor and served as a U.S. Congresswoman for nearly 28 years, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Her death was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, though no cause has been revealed.
Granger's political career began on the Fort Worth City Council, leading to her election as mayor in 1991, a position she held until 1995. She was sworn into the U.S. House on January 3, 1997, representing Texas' 12th Congressional District and becoming the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House. She retired in January 2025, with Rep. Craig Goldman succeeding her.
In her role as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal spending, she became the first Republican woman to lead the committee. Granger was known for her advocacy on various projects, including the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, and the Panther Island redevelopment project.
Granger's later years were marked by health challenges, and she had been living in a senior facility in Fort Worth since July 2024 due to dementia. Local leaders, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, have expressed their condolences and highlighted her significant contributions to the community. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Denton is about 34 miles north of Fort Worth.
