Republican Kay Granger, who represented the Texas 12th Congressional district and chaired the House Appropriations Committee, has died at age 83, according to news reports from various media outlets Monday morning.
Granger, who before retiring served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a quarter century, was the first Texas Republican woman elected to the House, CNN reported.
Following a series of health problems and missed votes, Granger announced in spring 2024 that she would not be seeking re-election.
“Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public services,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R),” said in a statement posted on X. “She was the first woman to serve as mayor of Fort Worth,” in addition to being a trailblazing member of Congress. “She was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.”