Kay Granger, first Texas Republican woman elected to House, dies aged 83

Kay Granger, the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas, has died at age 83. Her son stated the cause of death was Alzheimer's disease. Granger served in the House for nearly three decades, representing Texas's 12th congressional district. She also previously served as the mayor of Fort Worth and was the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Granger did not seek re-election in 2024, and her office had previously disclosed she was experiencing "dementia issues" and "health challenges." Her career included breaking barriers for women in public service and significant roles in congressional committees.

Kay Granger, the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, has died at age 83. Granger served nearly three decades in Congress after a career as a teacher and businesswoman, becoming the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth and the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She did not seek reelection in 2024 due to worsening health challenges. Throughout her career, Granger was recognized for breaking barriers for women in public service. She focused on defense spending in Congress and championed the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production in Fort Worth.