Kay Granger, first Texas Republican woman in U.S. House, dies at 83

Kay Granger, a pioneering figure in Texas politics and the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the state, has died at the age of 83. Her family announced her passing on Sunday, marking the end of a nearly three-decade career in Congress.

Granger represented Texas's 12th congressional district for 24 years. She had announced in November 2023 that she would not seek re-election in the 2024 election cycle, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. Her decision paved the way for a new representative to emerge from the traditionally Republican district.

Her son, JD Granger, stated that Alzheimer's disease was the cause of her death. Throughout her tenure, Granger was a significant voice for her constituents and played a notable role in national policy discussions, particularly within the Republican party. Her passing leaves a vacancy in a long-held congressional seat and marks the loss of a prominent female politician in Texas history.