Former Rep. Kay Granger, First Republican Woman Elected from Texas, Dies at 83

Former Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), who was the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, has died at the age of 83. Granger served Texas' 12th Congressional District for nearly three decades, following her tenure as the first female mayor of Fort Worth. During her time in Congress, she became a prominent figure in overseeing federal spending and was recognized as a significant Republican leader. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) honored Granger, describing her as a 'dear friend' and acknowledging her contributions to public service. Granger began her career as a teacher and became involved in public service after opposing a proposed waste processing facility. She served on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission, the City Council, and as mayor before being elected to Congress in 1996. In Washington, she focused on defense spending, veterans' issues, and federal appropriations. Granger announced in 2023 that she would not seek reelection, and her final months in office were affected by health issues, including dementia. Her passing is noted as a significant loss in Texas political history, marked by her numerous historic achievements.