Former Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, died Sunday at the age of 83. Colleagues remembered her as a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in public service.
Granger, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 until her retirement in January 2023, was the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. She was also the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House and the first female Republican to chair the House Appropriations Committee.
In a statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Granger "devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community... Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service." He added, "She was a dear friend who will be greatly missed."
Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., chair of the House Republican Caucus, described Granger as "a pioneer, a dedicated public servant, and a trailblazing leader who opened doors for generations of Republican women to follow." She added, "Her impact on Congress and our Nation will not be forgotten."
House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., expressed her deep sadness, noting that Granger "devoted her life to serving the people of Texas and our nation with integrity, determination, and a profound sense of duty."
DeLauro recalled working with Granger on the Appropriations Committee, stating they "worked through difficult challenges with mutual respect and honesty." Granger was the first woman to chair the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the first Republican woman to lead the full Appropriations Committee. She was part of the first committee leadership team on all four corners led by women, alongside Senators Patty Murray and Susan Collins.
Granger had cited health challenges as the reason for her retirement in January 2023, noting in December 2024 that her health had progressed, making travel to Washington difficult. "However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable," she said at the time. "During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years."