Lawmakers Honor Beloved Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger

The first Texas Republican woman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives, Kay Granger, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83, prompting other members of Congress to honor her memory.

Granger served in the House for nearly three decades. Starting as a member of Fort Worth’s City Council, she soon became the first woman elected to serve as the city’s mayor, and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.

“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community,” House Speaker and Representative Mike Johnson wrote on X. “Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service.”

Before entering Congress, Granger was recognized by her community for her “Code: Blue” programs that helped reduce crime rates by introducing new citizen patrol initiatives. She also fostered private-sector partnerships for local businesses, strengthening Fort Worth’s economy in a way that gained national recognition.

Once she entered Capitol Hill, Granger quickly became a friend to many, including Texas Senator John Cornyn R-TX) who described her as a close friend to him and his wife. On Monday, Sen. Cornyn took to X to honor the former Congresswoman and her legacy.

“From becoming the first woman elected Mayor of Fort Worth to the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she was a trailblazer who devoted her life to serving the people of Texas,” Sen. Cornyn said. “And my thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones.”

Granger was a friend and idol to many now serving in Congress, including Representative August Pfluger (R-TX), who also honored her in a statement on Monday.

“Congresswoman Granger broke many barriers,” Rep. Pfluger said. “She will be remembered as a fierce advocate for veterans, military readiness and Texas.”