Former U.S. Rep. Mia Love of Utah, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, passed away on March 23 at the age of 49.
Her family shared the news of her death through Love’s X account. Mia had 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 mentioned that Love was no longer responding to treatment.
She passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. The family posted a statement expressing their deep gratitude for Mia’s impact, saying, “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. We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox paid tribute, calling Love a “true friend” and noting, “Her legacy of service inspired all who knew her. We pray for her family and mourn with them.”
Mia Love’s political career began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She later became mayor of the city. In 2012, she narrowly lost a bid for the House to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson in a district covering Salt Lake City suburbs. However, she ran again in 2014 and won, defeating first-time candidate Doug Owens by about 7,500 votes.
