Former Congresswoman Mia Love Dies at 49
Mia Love, a former U.S. Representative for Utah and the daughter of Haitian immigrants who became the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has died at the age of 49.
News of her passing was shared by Love’s family on her X account.
Love had recently been undergoing treatment for brain cancer, including immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University’s brain tumor center. Earlier this month, her daughter indicated that the former lawmaker was no longer responding to medical intervention.
According to a family statement, Love died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
“With hearts full of gratitude for Mia’s profound impact on our lives, we announce her peaceful passing,” her family stated. “We appreciate the outpouring of well-wishes, prayers, and condolences.”
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Love as a “true friend,” noting that her dedication to public service inspired all who knew her.
Early Political Career
Love’s political journey began in 2003 with her election to the Saratoga Springs City Council. The city, located approximately 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, was experiencing rapid growth at the time. She subsequently became the mayor of Saratoga Springs.
In 2012, Love narrowly lost her first congressional campaign against Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson in a district encompassing several Salt Lake City suburbs. She ran again in 2014 and successfully defeated newcomer Doug Owens by a margin of roughly 7,500 votes.
Congressional Service and Impact
While Love did not emphasize her race on the campaign trail, she acknowledged the significance of her 2014 victory. She stated that her election success refuted critics who believed a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could not win a U.S. House seat in predominantly white Utah.
She was briefly viewed as a rising star within the Republican party. During the 2016 presidential race, Love maintained a distance from Donald Trump, who was unpopular among many Utah voters.
In an op-ed published in the Deseret News earlier this month, Love reflected on her vision of America and her hope for national unity. She expressed gratitude to her medical team and those who had offered prayers.
Love recounted her parents’ immigration to the U.S. with limited resources but a strong belief in hard work and success. She emphasized her upbringing centered on the American dream and a deep love for the country, “warts and all,” describing America’s core values as respect, resilience, generosity, and determination.
Her political career exposed her to challenging aspects of American society, but she also highlighted the inspiration she drew from people’s hope and courage. She advocated for unity, urging people to prioritize commonalities over differences.
“Some have lost sight of America’s equation — division diminishes,” Love wrote.
She encouraged elected officials to lead with empathy and maintain transparent communication with their constituents.
“Ultimately, I hope my life has been meaningful and impactful for the nation I cherish and the family and friends I love,” Love wrote. “I hope you will continue to see the America I believe in, that you will hear my aspirations in the winds of freedom and sense my presence in the enduring flame of liberty. My living wish and sincere prayer is that the America I have known is the America you strive to uphold.”
Relationship with Trump and 2018 Election Defeat
In 2016, facing reelection and following the release of a 2005 recording containing offensive comments made by Trump, Love declined to attend the Republican National Convention. She publicly stated she would not vote for Trump, endorsing Senator Ted Cruz instead, although Cruz later withdrew from the race.
During her 2018 reelection bid, Love sought to differentiate herself from Trump on matters of trade and immigration while still supporting the party’s tax cut policies. Despite a substantial Republican voter advantage in her district, she was defeated by Democrat Ben McAdams, the former Salt Lake City Mayor, by a narrow margin of fewer than 700 votes.
The day after her defeat, Trump publicly criticized Love during a news conference, also targeting other Republicans who had not fully supported him.
“Mia Love showed me no love, and she lost,” Trump commented. “Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.”
Post-Congressional Career
Following her congressional service, Love worked as a political commentator for CNN and as a fellow at the University of Sydney.
After Trump’s 2016 election victory, Love expressed acceptance of the outcome.
“While Trump has made many insensitive and indefensible remarks, his policies are likely to benefit all Americans,” Love stated in a social media post.