Former U.S. Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah), who made history in 2014 as the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, died at age 49 on March 23, according to her family.
“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,” her family said in a statement posted to her social media account.
Love passed away at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, after battling glioblastoma brain cancer. Her daughter, Abigale, said earlier this month that the former lawmaker’s cancer had stopped responding to treatment.
“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,” her family stated.
Details about her funeral services and “a public celebration of her life” will be shared later, her family said, adding, “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called Love “a true trailblazer and visionary leader,” saying the former lawmaker had inspired Utah residents with “her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream.”
“Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love,” Cox stated in a social media post. “Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply.”
Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was born in New York and moved to Utah in 1998. She began her political career in 2003 after winning a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council.
She was elected mayor of Saratoga Springs in 2009, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the position in the state of Utah, according to her bio.
In 2012, Love ran for a House seat in the congressional district covering the suburbs of Salt Lake City but narrowly lost to Democratic incumbent, former Rep. Jim Matheson.
She ran for Congress for a second time in 2014 after Matheson announced his retirement. Love defeated the Democratic Party’s candidate, Doug Owens, and was later reelected for a second term in 2016.
