Mia Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, passed away on Sunday after a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer. At just 49 years old, she left behind a legacy as a City Council member, mayor, and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. Her family announced her passing on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), stating she died "in her home surrounded by family." Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his sorrow, describing Love as a "true friend" and a source of inspiration for many. "Her legacy of service inspired all who knew her. We pray for her family and mourn with them," he wrote on X.
Mia Love was born on December 6, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian parents Maxime and Marie Bourdeau. Her father emigrated to the United States in 1974, followed by her mother a few months later. The family later moved to Connecticut, where Mia thrived in school, participating in color guard and drama, and even earning a half-tuition scholarship to the University of Hartford's Hartt School.
After graduating, Mia began her career as a flight attendant and, shortly thereafter, joined her sister at a worship service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was baptized in 1997. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Jason Love, and they married shortly after reconnecting. The couple had three children: Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton.
Mia's journey into politics began with a local issue in her community. After moving to Saratoga Springs, Utah, she and her neighbors protested against a developer over a fly infestation. This activism ignited her desire to run for office, leading to her election to the City Council at the young age of 28, making her the first Black woman to hold elected office in Utah County, where Black residents made up less than 1% of the population.
In 2009, amid a housing collapse affecting the community, Mia was elected mayor of Saratoga Springs. Her political career continued to rise, and in 2012, she was recruited to run against Democratic U.S. Representative Jim Matheson. Despite a crowded GOP field and being labeled a "novelty" by some, Love captivated audiences with her speeches, emphasizing the American dream and the immigrant experience of her parents.
In 2014, Mia Love made history by becoming the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. She joined the Congressional Black Caucus with the intent to reshape it from within, believing it often exploited racial tensions for political gain. Over her time in Congress, she built relationships with colleagues across the aisle, including notable figures like Reps. Marcia Fudge, John Lewis, and Elijah Cummings.
Throughout her tenure, Love navigated her political identity amidst the complexities of the Republican Party, especially during the Trump administration. She faced challenges, including a narrow defeat to then-Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams in 2018, where she lost by just 694 votes. Despite setbacks, Love remained a resilient figure in American politics, advocating for underrepresented communities.
After her departure from Congress, Mia Love continued to influence public discourse as a commentator on CNN and an occasional host on "The View." In her autobiography, she reflected on her journey as a Black Republican woman in politics, emphasizing her commitment to service and advocacy for change.
In January 2022, Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. Despite the prognosis of limited time, she remained hopeful, participating in a clinical trial that showed promising results. She often shared her journey on social media, expressing her desire to inspire others facing similar battles. "I want my journey to give others hope," she wrote, attributing her strength to her faith and family.
In March 2023, as treatments became ineffective, Love's family shifted their focus to cherishing their remaining time together. In a poignant tribute during Utah's legislative session, state lawmakers recognized Love's "extraordinary contributions to public service" and her significant impact on American politics.
In her farewell column, Love expressed gratitude for the exceptional medical care she received and the support from friends and family. "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," she wrote. Her words, filled with hope and resilience, will continue to resonate with those who knew her and those inspired by her legacy.
Mia Love's story is one of determination, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations to strive for greatness, embodying the enduring principles of liberty. Plans for memorial services have yet to be announced, but her influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
