After nearly 30 years, Fort Worth’s congressional seat is opening up. The rare opening was made by Congresswoman Kay Granger’s retirement announcement Wednesday. NBC 5’s Tahera Rahman reports there’s already a lot of talk about who wants to claim that seat next.
Longtime Fort Worth congresswoman Kay Granger will not run for re-election.
“Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives in 2024. Serving my community has been the greatest honor, and I have always fought to improve the lives of my constituents," Granger announced in a press release on her website.
"As I announce my decision to not seek re-election, I am encouraged by the next generation of leaders in my district. It’s time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be a strong and fierce representative for the people."
In her statement, Granger acknowledged her history-making moments in politics: first female Mayor of Fort Worth, first Republican United States Congresswoman from Texas, and the first female Republican Appropriations Chair, the House committee that plays a key role in writing the federal budget. Before entering politics, she taught high school journalism and owned a small business.
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Granger, 80, will serve out the remainder of her term but will not see a 15th, two-year term representing the 12th congressional district of Texas, which includes most of Parker County and the western half of Tarrant County.
James Riddlesperger, political science professor at Texas Christian University, said while it's not surprising to see someone retire from Congress after serving for so long, it is surprising to see someone voluntarily step away from so much power and influence.
"Kay Granger is one of the three or four most important members in the House of Representatives," Riddlesperger said. "Fort Worth has become accustomed to having a very big voice in decision making in U.S. politics."
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As Speaker of the House, Riddlesperger said Granger is known for working with politicians across the aisle.
"She was someone who could work with people with whom she disagreed to approach policies that would be for the greater good. 6;16; And I think that may be her legacy here," he said.
Something he said contributed to her popularity as Fort Worth mayor.
"As mayor, which is a nonpartisan position, of course, she had been such a successful person to negotiate with people from liberal to conservative in making decisions for the city of Fort Worth," Riddlesperger said.
He pointed out that Granger is only one of a handful of people to hold this seat.
"Fort Worth has a tradition of people being elected to Congress and serving a long, long time. The 12th District of Texas really has only had five representatives since 1919," he said.
Which means the opening is a rare and coveted one.
"It invites multiple challengers in both political parties who are going to see this as an opportunity that may come along once in a quarter of a century," Riddlesperger said.
Though it's early, Republican consultant Vinny Minchillo with Glasshouse Strategy said there's already excitement about the seat.
“So far, I think I’ve heard every name of everybody that’s ever run for anything in Tarrant County," Minchillo said. “I’ve heard names like, Mattie Parker, and Craig Goldman and Betsy Price. We’ll hear lots more names.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker told NBC 5 that she is not running for Congresswoman Granger's seat.
“Congresswoman Granger is a trailblazer in every sense of the word," Mattie Parker, Fort Worth's current mayor and third woman to hold that office, said. "For decades she has served tirelessly in DC and at home in Fort Worth as a leading voice on matters of national defense and fiscal responsibility. She has led with strength, tenacity, and character both in Congress and during her tenure as our city’s Mayor, and the lasting impact of her leadership cannot be overstated. I am proud to count Kay as a mentor and friend, and wish her well in this next stage of leadership.”
Granger held the office of Fort Worth mayor from 1991 to 1995. Betsy Price took office as the second female mayor of Fort Worth in 2011. She was succeeded by Mattie Parker in 2021.
State Representative Craig Goldman wouldn't confirm nor deny his intentions, only saying, "Today is about Kay and honoring and paying tribute to her amazing career."
John O'Shea was already running to try to unseat Granger.
"I think we’re going to see some more serious candidates come into this race," Minchillo said.
So far, though, Minchillo said no name rises to the top like Granger did when she first sought the seat in the '90s.
“I don't know that there's anybody with that kind of... name I.D," he said.
Riddlesperger agreed.
"I'm not sure that there's anyone who has quite that same profile at this point, but we shall see," he said.
