Former US Rep. Mia Love of Utah, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, passed away at the age of 49 after undergoing treatment for brain cancer. Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, had been receiving immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University prior to her death at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Her family confirmed the news of her passing, expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences from well-wishers. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox praised Love as a “true friend” whose legacy of service inspired all who knew her.
Love’s political career began in 2003 when she won a seat on the city council in Saratoga Springs before becoming the city’s mayor. She went on to narrowly lose a bid for a House seat in 2012 but won in 2014, becoming the first Black, Republican, Mormon woman to achieve such a victory in Utah. While she did not heavily emphasize her race during her campaigns, Love acknowledged the importance of her election, stating that it challenged the notion that someone like her could not win in largely white Utah. As a rising star in the GOP, Love distanced herself from Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign.
In a recent op-ed, Love reflected on her upbringing as the child of immigrants who believed in the American dream, and she shared her wish for a less divided America. She called for unity amongst neighbors, emphasizing the value of focusing on similarities rather than differences. Love encouraged elected officials to lead with compassion and honesty, expressing her hope that her contributions would make a difference in the nation she loved. She made a point to distance herself from Trump during his campaign, even publicly stating that she would not vote for him.
During her 2018 reelection bid, Love attempted to separate herself from Trump on certain issues but ultimately lost by a narrow margin to a Democratic opponent. Following her loss, Trump publicly criticized her and other Republicans who did not fully embrace him, suggesting that her lack of support contributed to her defeat. Love subsequently became a political commentator on CNN and a fellow at the University of Sydney. Despite Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, Love recognized his policies as potentially benefiting all Americans, highlighting the distinction between his rhetoric and actions.
In her final words, Love expressed her enduring wish for the nation to preserve the America she knew, emphasizing its core principles of liberty and unity. She hoped that her legacy would inspire others to come together, cherish their similarities, and work towards a more united future. Love’s passing marks the end of a distinguished political career characterized by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to serving the nation she loved. Her impact on American politics and her enduring legacy of service will continue to inspire generations to come.
