Former Utah Rep. Mia Love, Trailblazing First Black Republican Woman in Congress, Has Passed Away

Utah is mourning the loss of former U.S. Representative Mia Love, who passed away on Sunday. Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, died at her home in Saratoga Springs after a battle with brain cancer. Her family confirmed her death via her X account, expressing gratitude for the support and well wishes received during her illness.

Love’s health had declined recently after undergoing immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University. Her daughter indicated earlier in the month that she was no longer responding to treatment.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox lauded Love as a “true friend,” emphasizing her inspiring legacy of service. Her political career began in 2003 when she won a seat on the city council in Saratoga Springs, later serving as mayor.

In 2014, Love made history by winning a congressional seat in Utah’s 4th District, overcoming predictions that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could not be successful in the predominantly white state. She did not focus on her race during her campaigns but recognized the historical significance of her victory.

Love briefly emerged as a prominent figure within the GOP but maintained a distance from Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign, a decision reflective of his unpopularity in Utah.

In a recent op-ed, she expressed her vision for a less divisive America and thanked her medical team and supporters. Love’s parents immigrated to the U.S. with limited resources, instilling in her a belief in the American dream and the importance of hard work. Throughout her political career, she advocated for collaboration among communities, emphasizing the strength found in unity.

Despite challenges, including a narrow defeat in her reelection bid in 2018, Love remained engaged in public discourse. Trump notably criticized her after her electoral loss, stating, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost.”

After leaving Congress, Love worked as a political commentator and fellow at the University of Sydney. She expressed ambivalence about Trump’s presidency while acknowledging his policies could benefit many Americans.