Top Republican Who Opposed Jim Jordan's Speakership Announces Retirement From Congress

On Wednesday, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), the head of the House Appropriations Committee and a key lawmaker who stood against Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-OH) speakership bid last month, announced that she would not be seeking reelection to her congressional district located in Fort Worth.

"Today I am announcing that I will not seek reelection to the United States House of Representatives in 2024," she said in a statement. "Serving my community has been the greatest honor, and I have always fought to improve the lives of my constituents."

"As the first female Mayor of Fort Worth, first Republican United States Congresswoman from Texas, and the first female Republican Appropriations Chair, I have been able to accomplish more in this life than I could have imagined, and I owe it all to my incredible family, staff, friends, and supporters," she continued. "The United States of America is the greatest country in the world because of our people and the vision of our Founding Fathers who created a nation that ensures every man, woman and child has the opportunity to succeed."

"As I announce my decision to not seek reelection, 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," the 80-year-old explained, adding that she would be serving out the rest of her term.

A number of local leaders could potentially enter the primary race to win her seat, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Texas House Rep. Craig Goldman, and others. Ken Paxton-endorsed John O'Shea has already announced his decision to run for Texas' 12th district earlier this year.

Granger, as the head of House Appropriations and the first female Texas representative to Congress, has been a titan in Congress. She was a key player in denying the speakership to Jim Jordan when he brought his bid to the House floor last month. Granger, alongside approximately 20 lawyers, sunk Jordan's chances, eventually settling on Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to take up the speaker's gavel.

Her departure from Congress is likely to bring a heated primary battle and will hopefully result in a principled conservative to Texas' Republican delegation to Washington.

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