Kay Granger, first woman to represent Texas GOP in Congress, dies

Aug. 3 (UPI) — Kay Granger, the first Republican woman to represent the state of Texas in Congress, has died at the age of 83, her son has confirmed.

Granger’s son J.D. Granger said his mother’s on Sunday death was related to Alzheimer’s disease.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also confirmed Granger’s death in a post on social media remembering the 14-term congresswoman.

“Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service,” Johnson wrote. “Kelly and I send our prayers to her family, loved ones, and the Fort Worth community as we remember her extraordinary life of service and lasting legacy. She was a dear friend who will be greatly missed.”

Granger was the first woman to serve as mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. She was also the first Republican woman to serve as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

Granger’s career on Capitol Hill began in 1996. The Texas Wesleyan University graduate of 1965 started her political career on the Fort Worth zoning commission before being elected to the city council.

In 1991, Granger became the mayor of Fort Worth, a seat she would hold until 1995. During her time in the mayor’s office she launched the “Code Blue” program, a community policing initiative that included a citizen patrol component.

Code Blue drove down the previously high crime rates in Fort Worth, leading to a revitalization of the business community.

Granger’s time on Capitol Hill ended with health concerns and controversy. She cast her last vote in Congress in July 2024, but remained in her seat through the end of the year despite being absent for months.

Granger announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024. In December that year, her family announced that she was diagnosed with dementia. Her office continued to publish press releases and social media posts during her absence while not disclosing these health issues.

Democrats and some Republicans expressed criticism of Granger for not stepping down. Texas GOP chairman Abraham George said that she “should have stepped down and let a special election happen.”