Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. Congress, has passed away at the age of 49 after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Her family confirmed her death on Sunday, March 23, 2025, announcing that she died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, surrounded by 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,” the Love family said in a statement shared via her official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“She was in her home surrounded by family. 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. We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences.”
Mia Love, born Ludmya Bourdeau Love on December 6, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York, was the daughter of Haitian immigrants.
Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of faith, resilience, and determination, qualities that guided her through her groundbreaking political career.
Love’s rise to prominence began in Utah, where she became a member of the Saratoga Springs City Council in 2003.
She later served as the city’s mayor before setting her sights on national office.
In 2014, Love made history when she was elected to represent Utah’s 4th Congressional District, becoming the first Black Republican woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
During her tenure from 2015 to 2019, Love was a passionate advocate for fiscal conservatism, limited government, and free-market policies.
She served on the House Financial Services Committee and was an influential voice on issues ranging from financial regulations to economic growth.
Though she was known for her staunch conservative views, Love’s political career was not without controversy.
In 2016, she became one of the few Republican politicians to openly criticize then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, highlighting a rare moment of dissent within the party.
She made headlines during her 2018 reelection campaign, where she narrowly lost her seat to Democrat Ben McAdams, but her political career left a lasting impact on the Republican Party and the national stage.
After leaving Congress, Love remained an active voice in politics, joining CNN as a political commentator.
She also became involved in various educational initiatives, using her platform to advocate for young women and people of color interested in politics.
In 2023, she was honored with an honorary degree from Utah State University for her contributions to public service and her trailblazing work in Congress.
In 2022, Love’s life took a tragic turn when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
She sought treatment at Duke University’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, participating in clinical trials aimed at combating the disease.
Despite undergoing immunotherapy and other aggressive treatments, Love’s condition worsened over the past year.
In March 2025, her family announced that the cancer was no longer responding to treatment, and they turned their focus to cherishing their final moments together.
Mia Love’s death has sent shockwaves through the political world, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called Love a “true friend” and praised her for her dedication to service.
“Mia’s legacy will inspire many for generations to come,” Cox said in a statement.
“Her love for her family, her state, and her country was immeasurable.”
U.S. Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee also expressed their condolences, with Romney remembering Love as “a trailblazer who represented Utah with honor and integrity.”
Lee described her as “a fierce advocate for the principles she believed in” and expressed deep admiration for her commitment to public service.
Love is survived by her husband, Jason Love, and their three children: Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton.
Her family was at the center of her life, and she often spoke about the importance of faith, family, and perseverance through adversity.
In her final public statements, Love emphasized the need for unity and compassion in American politics, urging citizens to work together for the common good, regardless of their political affiliations.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable journey for a woman who defied expectations and broke barriers in a male-dominated and racially segregated political landscape.
Mia Love’s legacy as a public servant, advocate, and trailblazer will continue to inspire those who believe in the power of determination, service, and hope.
Mia Love’s story is not only one of political success but also of resilience, faith, and the unrelenting pursuit of a better future.
She leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of American politics.
