- Kay Granger, a pioneering Texas Republican and the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died at age 83.
- Her son, J.D. Granger, confirmed her death on Sunday, though a cause was not immediately released. She announced in 2024 that she was dealing with "unforeseen health challenges."
- Granger represented a Texas congressional district from 1997 until the end of her final term, having announced in 2023 that she would not seek re-election.
- Throughout her career, she achieved several historic firsts, including serving as Fort Worth's first female mayor and becoming the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House.
- As chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Granger oversaw federal spending legislation, making her one of the most influential lawmakers in Congress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson praising her as a trailblazer who "broke barriers for women in public service."
IN FULL
Kay Granger, groundbreaking Texas Republican who made House history, dies at 83
