Kay Granger, who made history as Fort Worth's first female mayor and served nearly 28 years in Congress, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Her death was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, although no cause was provided.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council before being elected mayor in 1991, a position she held 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 serve in the House.
She held her congressional seat until her retirement in January 2025, with Rep. Craig Goldman succeeding her.
Throughout her career, Granger was instrumental in several local projects, including attracting FedEx to Alliance and advocating for the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin plant in west Fort Worth. She also played a significant role in the Panther Island redevelopment project, which has an estimated cost of $1.16 billion.
In her later years, Granger faced health challenges, including dementia, and had been residing in a senior living facility since July 2024. Local leaders, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, have expressed their condolences and highlighted her lasting impact on the community. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
