Representative Kay Granger visits with Senator Ted Cruz after Cruz spoke to members of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce during a Leaders in Government luncheon at the Petroleum Club in Fort Worth, TX, Friday, January 17, 2014. (Star-Telegram/David Kent)
David Kent
Star-Telegram
Elected officials remembered former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger on Sunday and offered prayers and condolences for her family in social media posts.
Granger, who became one of the most powerful Republican women in Congress after breaking barriers as Fort Worth’s first female mayor, has died at the age of 83.
Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, described Granger as living “a life of historic firsts.”
U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, a Willow Park Republican, called her a “patriot who understood the true meaning of public service.
“Her word was her bond, and she led with strength, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people she served,” Williams said. “I was proud to call her a friend, and she will be greatly missed.”
U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman, who represents Granger’s former seat, said her “incredible legacy will not be forgotten.”
“Kay Granger transformed the city she loved,” he said.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker shared posts honoring Granger on social media Sunday evening.
“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community — as a teacher and businesswoman, on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council, as Mayor, and in Congress for nearly three decades,” Johnson said.
Granger joined the U.S. House in 1997 representing Texas’ 12th Congressional District. She announced she wasn’t seeking reelection in November 2023.
Parker described her as “a trailblazer and tenacious leader.”
“Over the years that I worked with Kay, I learned from her indelible spirit, work ethic, constant sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Texas and Fort Worth,” said Parker, a former Granger aide. “I’m fortunate to have called her a mentor and friend.”
Kay Granger was a trailblazer and tenacious leader. Among her many achievements, she was the first woman to be elected Mayor of Fort Worth and the first Republican woman to serve from Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Over the years that I worked with Kay, I learned… pic.twitter.com/uY8rdqqafT
— Mayor Mattie Parker (@MayorMattie) August 3, 2026
Tarrrant County Judge Tim O’Hare called Granger “a trailblazer.”
“Fort Worth has lost one of its most well-known champions. Christen and I send our sincere condolences to her family and friends,” he wrote on X.
Kay Granger was a true trailblazer. She was the first woman Mayor of Fort Worth and first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House in Texas. Fort Worth has lost one of its most well-known champions. Christen and I send our sincere condolences to her family and friends.
— Tim O’Hare (@TimothyOHare) August 3, 2026
U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey of Midlothian wrote: “Kay dedicated her life to serving North Texas and our country with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment. She made history throughout her career, but she never lost sight of the people she represented. It was an honor to serve alongside her on the House Appropriations Committee and to call her a friend.
“Shelby and I are praying for her family, her friends, and everyone mourning this tremendous loss. She will be deeply missed.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Chairwoman Kay Granger.
Kay dedicated her life to serving North Texas and our country with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment. She made history throughout her career, but she never lost sight of the…
— Rep. Jake Ellzey (@RepEllzey) August 3, 2026
This story was originally published August 2, 2026 at 10:44 PM.