Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first female mayor and served nearly three decades in Congress, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Her death was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, though no cause was provided.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council before being elected mayor in 1991, serving until 1995. She was sworn into the U.S. House on January 3, 1997, representing Texas' 12th Congressional District, and became the first Republican woman from Texas to be elected to the House.
Granger held her congressional seat until her retirement in January 2025, succeeded by Rep. Craig Goldman.
Throughout her career, she was instrumental in various projects, including bringing FedEx to the Alliance development and advocating for the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin plant, which is a major employer in Fort Worth. She also worked on the Panther Island flood control project, which has an estimated cost of $1.16 billion.
In her later years, Granger faced health challenges, including dementia, which led to her living in a senior facility in Fort Worth. Local leaders, including Mayor Mattie Parker, expressed their admiration for her dedication and legacy. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
