By Prosper Mene
Mia Love, the trailblazing former U.S. Representative from Utah and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at her home in Saratoga Springs. She was 49.
Love’s death, announced by her family on social media, marks the end of a three-year struggle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, which she faced with the same resilience that defined her groundbreaking political career.
“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 wrote in a statement posted on Social media. “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.”
Love’s journey began as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, a narrative she often shared as a testament to the American dream. Elected in 2014 to represent Utah’s 4th Congressional District, she served two terms until 2018, breaking barriers as a Black Republican woman in a predominantly white, conservative state. Before Congress, she was a city councilwoman and mayor of Saratoga Springs, roles that shaped her belief in limited government and community-driven solutions.
Diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2022, Love outlived her initial prognosis of 10 to 15 months, a testament to her tenacity. Earlier this month, her daughter Abigale revealed that the cancer had stopped responding to treatment, shifting the family’s focus to cherishing their remaining time together. Love’s final public words, in an open letter published by Deseret News on March 11, expressed gratitude and hope for America’s future, underscoring her enduring optimism.
Her death has drawn an outpouring of tributes. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called her a “true friend” and “trailblazer,” while Senator Mike Lee praised her as a “dear friend” whose legacy inspired countless Utahns. Former colleague Adam Kinzinger and CNN’s Jake Tapper also expressed condolences, reflecting her broad impact across political and media spheres.
Love’s political career was not without controversy. After losing her seat in 2018 to Democrat Ben McAdams by fewer than 700 votes, President Donald Trump publicly mocked her, saying, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost. Sorry about that, Mia.” Undeterred, she transitioned to a role as a CNN political commentator and remained a vocal figure, denouncing political violence as recently as July 2024.
Survived by her husband Jason and their three children—Alessa, Abi, and Peyton—Love leaves behind a legacy of service, courage, and historic firsts. Her family has promised details on funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the coming days.
