SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The political world mourns the loss of former U.S. Representative Mia Love, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 49. A trailblazer in American politics, Love was the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress and was a proud daughter of Haitian immigrants. The news of her death was shared via Love's official account on X, highlighting her recent battle with brain cancer, which included treatments at Duke University’s brain tumor center.
Love's daughter had previously indicated that her mother was no longer responding to treatment. According to a statement from the family, Mia Love died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. They expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during her illness, stating, “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.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox honored Love as a “true friend” and mentioned that her legacy of service would continue to inspire all who knew her. Love's journey in politics began in 2003 when she won a seat on the city council in Saratoga Springs, a rapidly growing community located about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. She later rose to become the mayor of the city.
In 2012, Love made her first attempt for a congressional seat but narrowly lost to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson. Undeterred, she ran again in 2014 and emerged victorious against first-time candidate Doug Owens by approximately 7,500 votes. While Love did not focus heavily on her race during her campaigns, she acknowledged the importance of her election after her historic 2014 win, which defied the skepticism surrounding a Black, Republican, Mormon woman winning a congressional seat in predominantly white Utah.
Following her election, Love was briefly viewed as a rising star within the Republican Party. However, she chose to distance herself from then-candidate Donald Trump, who was less popular among Utah voters during the 2016 election cycle. Just earlier this month, Love penned an op-ed in the Deseret News, reflecting on her love for America and expressing her hope for a less divisive nation. She thanked her medical team and all those who prayed for her, emphasizing her deep belief in the American Dream.
Love often shared how her parents immigrated to the United States with only $10 and a strong belief in hard work leading to success. She was taught to love her country, “warts and all,” and believed that America was rooted in respect, resilience, and determination.
Throughout her political career, Mia Love faced various challenges, including the ugly side of politics that exposed her to divisiveness. Yet, she maintained a focus on unity, urging her fellow politicians to lead with compassion. “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,” Love stated. She expressed her wish for a united America and a commitment to preserving the nation's core principles of liberty.
In 2016, amid reelection efforts and the fallout from a controversial Trump recording, Love made headlines by announcing that she would not support Trump, instead endorsing Sen. Ted Cruz. Despite her attempts to distance herself from Trump while still aligning with Republican values, Love lost her bid for a third term in 2018 by fewer than 700 votes to Democrat Ben McAdams, a former mayor of Salt Lake City. In a post-election news conference, Trump remarked, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost.”
After her congressional loss, Love transitioned into roles as a political commentator on CNN and a fellow at the University of Sydney. Following Trump's election, she publicly stated her acceptance of the results, acknowledging that while Trump made “inconsiderate” comments, his policies had the potential to benefit all Americans.
Mia Love's journey remains an inspiring testament to resilience and dedication, and her legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations in the political landscape.
