Former U.S. Representative Kay Granger, a longtime Texas Republican and the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died at the age of 83, according to confirmation from her son, J.D. Granger served Texas' 12th Congressional District from 1997 until 2025, building a reputation as one of the most influential lawmakers in Congress. While Democratic lawmakers Nita Lowey and Rosa DeLauro had previously chaired the committee, Granger's appointment marked a milestone for Republican women in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson honored Granger's legacy, describing her as a trailblazer who expanded opportunities for women in public service. He noted that she became the first female mayor of Fort Worth before making history again as the first Republican woman elected from Texas to the U.S. House.