SALT LAKE CITY — Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman to be elected to Congress, has passed away at the age of 49. Her family announced her death on social media, revealing that she had been battling brain cancer and undergoing treatments, including immunotherapy at Duke University.
Love died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Her family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers from the community, reflecting on the significant impact she had on their lives.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox honored Love, describing her as a “true friend” whose dedication to service inspired those around her.
Love’s political journey began in 2003 when she was elected to the city council in Saratoga Springs. She later served as the city’s mayor. In 2012, she ran for the House of Representatives but lost a close race against Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson. However, in 2014, Love made history by winning her congressional seat, challenging the idea that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could succeed in a predominantly white state like Utah.
Her path in politics led her to briefly be regarded as a rising star in the Republican Party. While she navigated her political career, she kept a distance from then-candidate Donald Trump, who was often viewed unfavorably by many Utahns.
In a recent op-ed, Love shared her fond memories of growing up in America and emphasized her hope for a united nation. She spoke about her parents’ immigrant story, highlighting their belief in hard work and the American Dream. Love believed that America is fundamentally a place of respect, resilience, generosity, and determination.
Although her experiences in politics exposed her to the darker aspects of society, they also showed her the incredible hope and courage of the American people. She urged her fellow citizens to focus on their commonalities and work together for the greater good.
Love faced challenges during her political career, especially during the 2016 election cycle. After a controversial recording of Trump surfaced, she publicly chose not to support him, instead endorsing another candidate. Ultimately, her journey in politics saw ups and downs, and she lost her seat in 2018 by a narrow margin, even though her district had a substantial Republican voter base.
After her congressional tenure, Love transitioned to being a political commentator and a fellow at the University of Sydney. In reflecting on Trump’s presidency, she acknowledged both the criticism he faced and the positive policy outcomes that came from his administration.
Mia Love’s legacy will be remembered by many for her trailblazing role in politics and her commitment to uniting Americans around shared values and beliefs.
