Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress and a trailblazer in American politics, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at age 49 following a battle with brain cancer.
Love died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, surrounded by family.
Love had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022. When initially diagnosed, doctors gave her a prognosis of only 10 to 15 months to live, a timeline she ultimately surpassed. The former congresswoman publicly revealed her cancer journey in May 2024 during an interview with CNN host Jake Tapper, saying that she was seeing positive results from a Duke University clinical immunotherapy trial.
Earlier this month, however, Love’s daughter Abigale announced on social media that her mother’s cancer was no longer responding to treatment.
Love’s political career was groundbreaking. Born to Haitian immigrant parents, she got into politics in 2003 and won a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council. She later became the city’s mayor in 2009.
After narrowly losing a bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, Love ran again in 2014 and made history by becoming the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, representing Utah’s 4th Congressional District. She was reelected in 2016.
Love built her congressional campaign on platforms of public safety and fiscal responsibility, and was known for her conservative views. However, she was critical of Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential run, choosing to endorse Republican rival Ted Cruz instead.
In 2018, Love narrowly lost her bid for a third term to Democratic challenger Ben McAdams. After her defeat, then-President Trump commented, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost. Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.”
Following President Donald Trump’s crude remark about Haiti in January 2018, Representative Love responded firmly, stating, “I’ve been a Republican longer than he has.” She urged him to issue an apology, describing his comments as unkind, divisive, elitist, and contrary to the core values of the United States. She emphasized that such behavior was unacceptable from the nation’s leader.
Following her congressional career, Love became a political commentator for CNN and served as a fellow at various academic institutions, including the University of Sydney.
In a March 11 opinion piece published in the Deseret News, Love shared what she described as her “living wish” for America. “I am taking up my pen, not to say goodbye but to say thank you and express my living wish for you and the America I know,” Love wrote.
Upon news of her passing, Utah Governor Spencer Cox paid tribute to Love, calling her “a true trailblazer and visionary leader” whose legacy would leave “a lasting, positive impact” on the state. He described her as a good friend and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Former senator Mitt Romney, a fellow Utah Republican and Mormon, also honored Love’s contributions: “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.”
Love was known for combining faith and science in her approach to her cancer battle. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she found strength in her religious beliefs while also pursuing cutting-edge medical treatments.
Glioblastoma, the type of brain cancer Love battled, affects more than 14,000 Americans per year according to the National Brain Tumor Society. It has a five-year survival rate of less than seven percent and has claimed the lives of other notable public figures including Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain, and Beau Biden, son of President Joe Biden.
Love is survived by her husband Jason and their three children: Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements or plans for a public celebration of her life.
