The political world was hit with a tragedy. Grief is setting in around Washington, D.C.
And the shocking death of a GOP congressmember rocks Capitol Hill.
Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, on Sunday night, her family confirmed. She was 49 years old. Love, a representative of Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019, left an indelible mark on American politics and her home state.
“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 shared in a heartfelt statement posted on X.
The former congresswoman had been courageously battling brain cancer, undergoing immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University’s brain tumor center. Earlier this month, Love’s daughter revealed that the 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.
Love’s death, which occurred at her home roughly 30 miles from Salt Lake City, prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and admirers alike. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described her as a “true friend” and a “trailblazer and visionary leader.”
In a post on X, he reflected, “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.”
Former Massachusetts Governor and Utah Senator Mitt Romney also mourned her loss, writing on X, “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. We will dearly miss you, Mia.”
Senator Mike Lee, who served alongside Love, added, “This is truly heartbreaking. Mia Love was an outstanding public servant and a dear friend. Her passing leaves a deep, painful void.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrants, Love was the third of their children. When she was five, her family moved to Connecticut, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. She later earned a half-tuition scholarship to the University of Hartford, where she studied before embarking on a career as a flight attendant. Raised Catholic, Love converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and relocated to Utah in 1998. It was there she met Jason Love, whom she married just months after they began dating. Together, they raised three children: Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton.
Love’s political journey began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She went on to serve as the city’s mayor in 2010, leading the small but growing community with distinction. Her congressional ambitions took root in 2012, though she lost her first bid for Utah’s 4th District to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson.
After Matheson opted not to seek re-election in 2013, Love ran again in 2014, defeating Democrat Doug Owens by roughly 7,500 votes. She secured re-election in 2016, again besting Owens.
While Love didn’t center her campaigns on her racial identity, her victory carried profound significance. She often noted that it challenged skeptics who doubted a Black Republican Mormon woman could win in Utah.
Her tenure in Congress was marked by independence—she famously skipped the 2016 Republican National Convention and endorsed Senator Ted Cruz over Donald Trump in the GOP primary. After the release of Trump’s 2005 “Access Hollywood” recording, Love publicly stated she would not support him.
In 2018, Love’s bid for a third term ended in a razor-thin defeat to Democrat Ben McAdams, losing by fewer than 700 votes.
The morning after her loss, Trump singled her out in a news conference, saying, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost. Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.” Undeterred, Love transitioned into roles as a CNN political commentator and a fellow at the University of Sydney.
Love’s family expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received, writing, “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.”
Love 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. She was in her home surrounded by family. In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy… pic.twitter.com/YzhAuH1l9x
— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) March 24, 2025
Her legacy as a pioneering leader and devoted public servant endures, inspiring those who knew her and the generations to come.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
