Kay Granger, a former US congresswoman and the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the House of Representatives, has died at 83, according to her family. The Guardian reports her son JD Granger says she died of Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple outlets also describe her long career in federal politics, with service spanning nearly three decades. She served as a member of Congress for 28 years and later became chair of the House Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful panels in the chamber, according to PBS NewsHour and The Washington Post. Several sources note her earlier role in local government: she was the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, Texas, before returning to national office. The Independent and other coverage characterize her as a barrier-breaking figure for women in public service, while The New York Times adds that 2024 scrutiny occurred when she was reported to be living in a senior facility while still in office. Granger did not seek re-election in 2024, as reported by The Guardian.