Kay Granger, the first woman to serve as mayor of Fort Worth, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Her death was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who did not provide a cause.
Granger began her political career on the Fort Worth City Council and was elected mayor in 1991, holding the position until 1995. She later represented Texas' 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House from January 3, 1997, until her retirement in January 2025, becoming the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House.
During her time in office, Granger was instrumental in various projects in Fort Worth, including bringing FedEx to the Alliance development and advocating for the F-16 and F-35 programs at the Lockheed Martin plant, a major employer in the city. She also worked on the Panther Island flood control project, which has an estimated cost of $1.16 billion.
Granger faced health challenges in her later years and had been living in a senior facility since July 2024 due to dementia. Local leaders, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, expressed their condolences and highlighted her significant contributions to the community. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
McKinney is about 52 miles northeast of Fort Worth.
