Mia Love, a trailblazing figure in American politics, has died at the age of 49. Love made history as the first Black woman to serve in Congress as a representative of the Republican party. Her tenure spanned from 2015 to 2019, representing Utah’s 4th Congressional District. She passed away peacefully at her residence in Saratoga Springs, Utah, a city located about 30 miles from Salt Lake City.
Love had been fighting a battle against brain cancer and had recently been a part of a clinical trial at Duke University’s brain tumor center. She underwent immunotherapy as part of her treatment. Earlier this month, her daughter disclosed that Love’s cancer had stopped responding to the treatment.
The family of the late congresswoman expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received. They described Love’s passing as a peaceful transition, stating that she “quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward.” The family is currently in mourning and will announce details about funeral services and a public celebration of Love’s life in the coming days.
Love leaves behind her husband, Jason, and their three children, Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton. Utah Governor Spencer Cox paid tribute to Love, describing her as a “true friend,” a “trailblazer and visionary leader,” and someone who inspired many through her courage, grace, and belief in the American dream.
Born to Haitian immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York, Love moved to Connecticut at the age of five. After high school, she received a half-tuition scholarship to the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Following graduation, she worked as a flight attendant before converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moving to Utah in 1998.
Love began her political career in 2003, serving on the Saratoga Springs city council before becoming the city’s mayor in 2010. She first ran for Congress in 2012, losing to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson. However, she won the seat in 2014, defeating first-time candidate and Democrat Doug Owens by about 7,500 votes.
Throughout her political career, Love did not emphasize her race. However, she acknowledged the significance of her election, defying those who suggested that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman couldn’t win a congressional seat in Utah. After losing her bid for a third term in 2018, Love worked as a political commentator on CNN and a fellow at the University of Sydney.