U.S. House
Kay Granger’s historic career on the House Appropriations Committee was honored in November during a tribute in Washington that included the unveiling of her portrait in the committee chambers. Granger was the first Republican woman to chair the committee.
Longtime U.S. Rep. Kay Granger has been named Fort Worth Inc. 2025 Person of the Year, in recognition of her lasting impact on the city’s economic development, business community, and national influence.
As the first Republican woman to represent Texas in Congress and the first female mayor of Fort Worth, Granger has spent decades shaping policies that have fueled the region’s growth, from infrastructure and defense to education and small business support.
Her leadership as chair of the House Appropriations Committee has positioned Fort Worth as a hub for innovation and prosperity, benefiting industries across North Texas.
“Kay Granger’s legacy is one of transformation,” said Hal Brown, publisher of Fort Worth Inc. “Her leadership has helped shape Fort Worth into the thriving city it is today. From advocating for critical economic initiatives to championing Fort Worth’s role on the national stage, she has been a force for progress.”
The Fort Worth Inc. Person of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the business and economic landscape of the city, typically in the past year.
Granger retired from Congress on Jan. 3 as one of Texas’ most impactful statesmen. Granger was an equal among the towering figures of the Texas delegation through the years, including Garner, Rayburn, Patman, Mahon, Gonzalez, and, of course, Jim Wright of Texas' District 12.
“Her impact on her district and her region and the state is equal to any other Congress person in the last 20 to 30 years,” said former U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, a longtime Republican colleague of Granger’s. “She was all Fort Worth, all 12th District, all the time.”
Granger’s influence spans beyond politics, as she has worked tirelessly to elevate Fort Worth’s presence in the global economy, ensuring its position as a leader in aerospace, defense, and commerce.
Her commitment to public service and strategic vision has cemented her as a pivotal figure in the city’s history, as well as that of the state and Texas' District 12.
Granger will be honored at a special event hosted by Fort Worth Inc. on May 15 at the Fort Worth Club, where business leaders, public officials, and community members will celebrate her contributions.