Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, died peacefully on Sunday at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. She was 49 years old. Love had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and had recently shared that she was no longer responding to treatment.
“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully,” her family announced in a statement shared on her X account. “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences.”
A Final Message of Gratitude and Hope
Earlier this month, Love published an open letter in Deseret News, informing the public about her health condition. Rather than saying goodbye, she used the opportunity to express gratitude and share her vision for America.
“I am taking up my pen, not to say goodbye but to say thank you and express my living wish for you and the America I know,” Love wrote in her heartfelt message. She underwent immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University’s brain tumor center but ultimately stopped responding to treatment.
During her final days, Love surrounded herself with loved ones while reflecting on the country she deeply cherished. Her family noted that “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.”
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Love’s political journey began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She later became the city’s mayor before setting her sights on Congress.
After a narrow loss in her first congressional run in 2012, Love persevered and won in 2014. This historic victory made her the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. She defeated Democrat Doug Owens by approximately 7,500 votes.
While she didn’t emphasize her race during campaigns, Love acknowledged her victory’s significance. She proudly noted that it proved wrong those who doubted a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could win in predominantly white Utah.
A Voice of Independence in Politics
Love quickly became a rising star within the Republican Party. However, she often maintained her independence, especially regarding former President Donald Trump.
During the 2016 presidential race, Love distanced herself from Trump. She made it clear she wouldn’t support him, particularly after the release of controversial recordings. Instead, she backed Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
In her 2018 re-election campaign, Love balanced her party’s stance on tax cuts with a more independent approach to trade and immigration. Despite Republicans outnumbering Democrats nearly three-to-one in her district, she lost to former Salt Lake City Mayor Ben McAdams by fewer than 700 votes.
A Legacy of Patriotism and Service
After leaving Congress, Love transitioned to media, becoming a political commentator for CNN. Throughout her career, she drew inspiration from her upbringing as the daughter of Haitian immigrants.
“The America I know is grounded in the gritty determination found in patriots, pioneers and struggling parents, in small business owners with big ideas,” Love wrote in her final letter. She added that America is great “not because government made it great but because ordinary citizens like me, like my parents and like you are given the opportunity every day to do extraordinary things.”
The mother of three concluded her letter with a powerful message: “In the end, I hope that my life will have mattered and made a difference for the nation I love and the family and friends I adore. I hope you will see the America I know in the years ahead.”
Remembering a Trailblazer
Love’s family announced that funeral arrangements and plans for a “public celebration of her life” will be shared in the coming days. As the nation mourns her passing, many remember her as a groundbreaking figure who opened doors for others.
Her journey from city council member to mayor to congresswoman demonstrated her determination and resilience. Moreover, Love’s willingness to stand by her principles, even when politically difficult, earned respect across party lines.
Through her service and dedication, Mia Love created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of leaders. She proved that with courage and conviction, barriers can be broken and history can be made.
