Mia Love, a daughter of Haitian immigrants and former U.S. Representative for Utah, has passed away at her home in Saratoga Springs due to complications from brain cancer. Her contributions to American politics have been widely recognized, and her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the state.
Mia Love, the Trailblazing Black Republican Congresswoman, Passes Away at 49
Mia Love, the Trailblazing Black Republican Congresswoman, Passes Away at 49
Mia Love, the first black Republican woman in the U.S. Congress, has died at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and achievement.
Mia Love, the groundbreaking figure who became the first Black Republican congresswoman in the United States, has died at the age of 49. According to a statement from her family, she passed peacefully on Sunday at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Love's daughter, Abigale, had shared earlier that Love was no longer able to respond to treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma.
In a heartfelt tribute, Love's family described how she peacefully departed this world surrounded by loved ones, stating, "In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward."
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Utah Governor Spencer Cox honored her memory, saying, "A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply."
Love's political career began in 2003, when she secured a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council, eventually becoming mayor by the age of 34. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, making history as the first Black Republican woman to serve in that capacity. After two successful terms, she was narrowly defeated in her re-election bid by Democratic challenger Ben McAdams in 2018.
In 2022, Love received a devastating glioblastoma diagnosis, with physicians estimating a mere 10 to 15 months of life remaining—a prognosis she bravely exceeded. Her passing comes just weeks after she penned an opinion piece for Deseret News, where she expressed gratitude and shared her hope for the country, saying it was "not to say goodbye but to say thank you."
In a heartfelt tribute, Love's family described how she peacefully departed this world surrounded by loved ones, stating, "In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward."
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Utah Governor Spencer Cox honored her memory, saying, "A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply."
Love's political career began in 2003, when she secured a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council, eventually becoming mayor by the age of 34. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, making history as the first Black Republican woman to serve in that capacity. After two successful terms, she was narrowly defeated in her re-election bid by Democratic challenger Ben McAdams in 2018.
In 2022, Love received a devastating glioblastoma diagnosis, with physicians estimating a mere 10 to 15 months of life remaining—a prognosis she bravely exceeded. Her passing comes just weeks after she penned an opinion piece for Deseret News, where she expressed gratitude and shared her hope for the country, saying it was "not to say goodbye but to say thank you."
