Former U.S. Representative Kay Granger dies at age 83 after a career of breaking barriers in public service
Former U.S. Representative Kay Granger died at age 83 on Sunday, marking the end of a distinguished political career that spanned nearly three decades. Granger was a trailblazer for women in public service, serving as the first female mayor of Fort Worth and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Throughout her tenure in Congress, Granger was a noted advocate for national security and defense spending, specifically championing the production of the F-35 fighter jet in her home district. While she faced some criticism from hard-right conservatives for her willingness to bring federal dollars back to North Texas, she was widely respected for her ability to secure funding for significant regional initiatives. Granger's final months in Congress were marked by health challenges, including progressing dementia issues. She stepped down as committee chair in early 2024 to provide her successor a head start on the next round of spending bills. She is remembered by colleagues as a patriot who led with strength and integrity.