SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, March 23, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Mia Love, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress as a member of the GOP has died at age 49. Word of the former U.S. Representative’s death was announced by her family Sunday on social media. She had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer three years ago.
Love represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019; she was elected mayor of Saratoga Springs in 2010. After leaving Congress, she joined CNN as a political commentator and was a rotating host on ABC’s The View. Love’s family posted the following tribute to her on X, formerly known as Twitter: “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 today. 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. “We are taking some time as a family and will provide information about funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the days to come.” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also remembered Love in a Sunday night post on Facebook. “Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love. “A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. “Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. “We will miss her deeply.”
On March 1, 2025, Love’s daughter, Abigale, revealed on X that her mother’s illness was no longer responding to treatment. Hello Friends, I’m Mia’s daughter Abigale. Many of you are aware that Mom has been fighting GBM brain cancer. Sadly her cancer is no longer responding to treatment and the cancer is progressing. We have shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her. I am building an archive of special memories with Mia. Please send your pictures, videos and memories to me at [email protected] Love had been married to Jason Love since 1998. She had three children, daughters Alessa Lincoln and Abigale and son Peyton; and one granddaughter. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Love made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress as a Republican by representing Utah's 4th District from 2015 to 2019. During her time in Congress, Congresswoman Love tirelessly advocated for policies in tax reform, economic development and public safety, always prioritizing the well-being of her constituents. She was born to Haitian immigrants and grew up in Brooklyn and Norwalk, Connecticut. Love attended the University of Hartford Hartt School, graduating with a degree in musical theater. Before her political career, Love worked as a flight attendant, and began to get involved in local affairs after moving to Utah in 1998.
Her political journey included a position on the Saratoga Springs City Council in 2003 and her election as mayor in 2010, where she became well known for her communication skills and dedication. However, it was her campaign for Congress, which began in 2014, that launched her into the national spotlight, culminating in her historic election the following year.
Even though Love faced a setback when she lost her re-election bid in 2018 by just under 700 votes to Ben McAdams, she remained an influential voice in political commentary, participating in discussions on CNN and the ABC show “The View.” Love’s influence did not fade after her congressional term; instead, she continued to impact political discussions through various platforms.
In her final days, Love exemplified the courage she was known for in life. In her poignant messages, she often spoke of faith leading her through her battle with cancer. “I was looking for a cure in my faith and in science,” she shared during an interview in 2024, emphasizing how her family had been a source of strength.
Love’s legacy will continue through her family and the numerous lives she touched throughout her political and personal life. As we reflect on her contributions to Utah and American politics, we are reminded of her groundbreaking feats, and the high standards she set for herself and others.
As the Love family prepares to say goodbye, Mia Love’s impact is felt not just in the political arena, but in the hearts of all who knew her and admired her strength and resilience throughout her journey.
