Family and friends of former U.S. Representative Mia Love will come together in Salt Lake City on Monday to celebrate her life following her battle with brain cancer, which she ultimately succumbed to in March at the age of 49. Love, who was the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, made her mark as a daughter of Haitian immigrants.
During her courageous fight against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Love explored treatment options including immunotherapy through a clinical trial. Sadly, she passed away at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, just weeks after her daughter shared the heartbreaking news that her treatment was no longer effective.
On Sunday evening, state lawmakers and members of the community paid tribute at the Utah Capitol, where Love’s flag-draped coffin was displayed in the rotunda for all to honor. A memorial service is open to the public on Monday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion on the University of Utah campus, concluding with an honor guard presentation.
Born Ludmya Bourdeau in 1974, Love represented Utah in Congress from 2015 to 2019. She and her husband, Jason, were parents to three children: Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton. Following her diagnosis in 2022, Love was initially given only 10 to 15 months to live but showed remarkable strength by surviving for about three years with aggressive treatment.
Love’s political journey began in 2003 when she was elected to the Saratoga Springs City Council. She made history in 2009 by becoming the first Black woman to serve as mayor in Utah. After delivering a compelling speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention, she narrowly missed winning a U.S. House seat against a Democratic incumbent. However, in 2014, she turned the tide and won the election by a margin of approximately 7,500 votes.
While Love did not emphasize her racial background during her campaigns, she recognized the significance of her victory, stating that it challenged the doubts of those who believed that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could not succeed in a predominantly white state like Utah.
Although she was seen as a bright prospect in the Republican Party, her political standing diminished as President Trump rose to power. Love chose to distance herself from Trump, openly criticizing his comments about immigrants from several countries. Unfortunately, she lost her seat during the midterm elections in 2018 as Democratic candidates gained momentum.
Mia Love’s legacy remains a testament to perseverance and the ability to break barriers in politics. Her memory will resonate with many as her friends and family gather to honor her contributions and spirit.
