Kay Granger, a Republican former U.S. Representative from Texas, has died at the age of 83, lawmakers announced on Sunday, August 3, 2026. Granger served on Capitol Hill for 28 years and notably chaired the House Appropriations Committee.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced her death on X, describing her as “a dear friend who will be greatly missed.” He highlighted her groundbreaking career, noting she was the first woman to serve as Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.

In December 2024, The Dallas Express reported that Granger, who had not cast a vote since July of that year and had announced in 2023 that she would not seek re-election, was living in an assisted living facility. Her son later told The Dallas Morning News that she was experiencing dementia issues.

Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Granger “lived a life of historic firsts.” Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who preceded Granger as Appropriations chair, expressed that she was “deeply saddened” and called it “an honor to serve alongside her.” DeLauro praised Granger’s leadership and bipartisan respect, stating, “Throughout our years serving together on the Appropriations Committee, we worked through difficult challenges with mutual respect and honesty. At every step of her career, she earned the respect of Members on both sides of the aisle through her steady leadership and deep belief in the importance of Congress fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to invest in the American people.”