Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first woman mayor and served nearly three decades in Congress, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed her death in a post on X, though no cause was disclosed.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council and was elected mayor in 1991, holding the position 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 after serving for nearly 28 years, with Rep. Craig Goldman succeeding her.
During her time in office, Granger was instrumental in various projects in Fort Worth, including attracting FedEx to the Alliance development and advocating for the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin plant, the largest employer in the area. She also worked on the Panther Island flood control project, which has an estimated cost of $1.16 billion.
Granger's later years in office were marked by health challenges, as she had been living in a senior facility since July 2024 due to dementia. Local leaders, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, expressed their condolences and recognized her significant contributions to the community. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
