Her death was confirmed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who remembered her as a dear friend
who broke significant barriers in public service.
Granger’s career spanned nearly three decades in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represented Texas’ 12th Congressional District from 1997 until her retirement in January 2025. Her path to national influence began in local government, where she served on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council before becoming the city’s first female mayor in 1991.
A Legacy of Historic Firsts in Texas Politics
Known as a force to be reckoned with,
Granger was frequently recognized for her tenacity and commitment to her home state. Before her time in Congress, she earned national attention for her Code: Blue
initiatives in Fort Worth, which utilized citizen patrols and private-sector partnerships to address crime and economic decline. These achievements provided the momentum for her 1996 congressional campaign, where she was recruited by both parties before winning as a Republican.
Her colleagues in Washington and back home in Texas emphasized the significance of her career. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, noted that Granger lived a life of historic firsts,
while former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price described her as a true Texas trailblazer.
“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community — as a teacher and businesswoman, on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council, as Mayor, and in Congress for nearly three decades, where she also served as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service.”
Mike Johnson, House Speaker
Congressional Leadership and Final Years
In the U.S. House, Granger focused heavily on defense, notably championing the production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in Fort Worth. In 2023, she reached the pinnacle of her legislative influence when she became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. During her tenure as chair, she navigated intense negotiations over government spending, including efforts to enact non-defense cuts during budget standoffs.
Granger’s final months in office were marked by health challenges. She announced in November 2023 that she would not seek reelection, and she did not cast a vote in Washington after July 2024. In a statement released in December 2024, her office noted that travel had become both difficult and unpredictable
due to her health. Her son, J.D. Granger, later confirmed that she had been living in an independent living facility while dealing with dementia.
Reflections from Peers and Colleagues
Across the aisle, peers praised Granger for her ability to work through complex challenges. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who preceded Granger as the chair of the Appropriations Committee, stated that it was an honor to serve alongside her,
highlighting the mutual respect they maintained despite political differences.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who previously worked as an aide to Granger, credited the late congresswoman for shaping her own approach to public service. Over the years that I worked with Kay, I learned from her indelible spirit, work ethic, constant sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Texas and Fort Worth,
Parker said in a statement. I’m fortunate to have called her a mentor and friend.
In early 2025, the city of Fort Worth recognized her impact by naming her the 2025 Person of the Year. As of Monday, August 3, 2026, funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced, though leaders in North Texas have begun to commemorate a legacy they say will remain ingrained in Fort Worth
for generations.
Keep reading