Historic U.S. Congresswoman Dead at 49
Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has died. She was 49. Her family announced her passing on Sunday night.
Love served Utah’s fourth Congressional District from 2015 until 2019. The GOP member had been open in recent years about her battle with brain cancer, having undergone a clinical trial at Duke University’s brain tumor center shortly before her passing. Earlier this month, Love’s daughter announced that her mother’s illness had stopped responding to treatment. She died at her home in Saratoga Springs, a suburb outside of Salt Lake City.
“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,” the statement read. “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. 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,” her family concluded.
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Many of Love’s colleagues came out to honor the late congresswoman. “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,” Former Massachusetts Governor and Utah Senator Mitt Romney posted to X. “Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and countless others. We will dearly miss you, Mia.”
Fellow member of Congress Mike Lee, who served directly alongside Love, called her death “truly heartbreaking.” “Mia Love was an outstanding public servant and a dear friend,” he wrote. “Her passing leaves a deep, painful void.”
Love is survived by her husband, Jason, and three children: daughters Alessa and Abigale; and son Peyton.