Former Rep. Mia Love of Utah, the first Black Republican woman ever elected to Congress, tragically passed away on Sunday at the age of 49. Family members shared the news via a heartfelt social media post, stating, “She was in her home surrounded by family. In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward. We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences.”
Mia Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022. Recently, she and her family announced that the cancer had stopped responding to treatment. Her death comes less than two weeks following the publication of a farewell message in the Deseret News. In her poignant note, Love expressed her thoughts as a “living wish” rather than a traditional farewell, uncertain of how much time she had left. “Some have forgotten the math of America — whenever you divide you diminish. What I know is that the goodness and compassion of the American people is a multiplier that simply cannot be measured,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of community and support.
The political community is mourning Love's loss, with former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, among those who expressed their condolences. “Heavy heart with the passing of my friend and colleague, Mia Love. Her energy, enthusiasm, and wit made her a stand-out member of Congress. Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and for countless others,” Romney shared on X. “We will dearly miss you, Mia.”
Mia Love was not only a dedicated public servant but also a devoted mother of three. She first gained national attention at the Republican National Convention in 2012, where Romney secured the party’s presidential nomination. Although Love narrowly lost her initial bid for Congress that year to Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson, she seized the opportunity to run for the open seat when Matheson retired two years later. However, her political career took another turn in 2018 when she was defeated by Democrat Ben McAdams.
Before entering politics, Love’s career included working as a flight attendant and managing a call center. She made her mark in local politics as a city councilwoman at the age of 28 and later became the mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, at just 34. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., Love pursued her dreams in the arts, graduating from the University of Hartford in Connecticut with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater in 1997. Her journey took a significant turn when she converted to the Mormon faith and relocated to Utah.
Senator John Curtis, R-Utah, paid tribute to Love in a floor speech prior to her passing, highlighting her resilience and determination. “Being a Black woman in the Republican Party comes with its own set of hurdles, but Mia has never let barriers define her. Instead, she breaks them,” Curtis stated, reflecting on Love's remarkable contributions to both her party and her community.
Mia Love's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations, showcasing the power of perseverance, compassion, and community engagement.
