Mia Love, First Black Republican Woman in Congress, Dies at 49

Trailblazing Utah lawmaker remembered for her historic rise, conservative principles, and independent stance

Former U.S. Representative Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has passed away at the age of 49 after a battle with brain cancer. Her family confirmed her death in a statement on Sunday, announcing that she died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

“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,” the statement read. “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences.”

Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, made history when she won Utah’s 4th Congressional District in 2014, serving from 2015 to 2019. She quickly became a high-profile figure in the Republican Party, advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and immigration reform.

Before her time in Congress, Love began her political career in 2003 as a city council member in Saratoga Springs, a rapidly growing community about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. She later became the city’s mayor, solidifying her reputation as a rising conservative leader.

In 2012, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House but narrowly lost to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson. Two years later, she tried again and defeated Democratic challenger Doug Owens by approximately 7,500 votes, making history with her victory.

Though she did not center her campaign around her race, Love acknowledged the significance of her win. She highlighted how her success defied expectations, stating that her victory challenged those who doubted that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could win in predominantly white Utah.

Throughout her tenure, Love maintained an independent stance within the GOP. She was notably critical of former President Donald Trump, particularly during the 2016 election, when she distanced herself from his rhetoric. When a 2005 recording surfaced of Trump making lewd comments about women, Love chose to skip the Republican National Convention and refused to endorse him. Instead, she backed Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who later dropped out of the race.

During her 2018 reelection campaign, she sought to separate herself from Trump on issues like trade and immigration while supporting Republican tax policies. Despite Republicans significantly outnumbering Democrats in her district, Love lost her reelection bid to Democrat Ben McAdams by fewer than 700 votes.

The morning after her defeat, Trump publicly criticized Love and other Republicans who had distanced themselves from him.

“Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost,” he remarked. “Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.”

After her loss, Love transitioned to a career in political commentary, becoming an analyst for CNN and a fellow at the University of Sydney. Though she had once been critical of Trump, she later accepted the political reality of his presidency.

“Yes, Trump says a lot of inconsiderate things that are unfortunate and impossible to defend,” she wrote in a social media post. “However, his policies have a high probability of benefiting all Americans.”

Love had been receiving treatment at Duke University’s brain tumor center but had recently stopped responding to immunotherapy, her daughter revealed earlier this month.

Her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who described her as a “true friend” and praised her “legacy of service” that inspired many.