Mia Love, the first Black woman elected to Congress as a Republican in U.S. history, has passed away at the age of 49 following a battle with brain cancer. Love’s family shared the heartbreaking news on the social media platform X, revealing that she passed away “peacefully in her home 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. 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,” the family said in a statement.
“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,” the statement added.
A historic political career
Mia Love made history as the first Black woman to serve in Congress as a Republican. She represented Utah’s 4th District from 2015 to 2019. Her political journey began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs, Utah, city council, later rising to become the city’s mayor.
Love distanced herself from then-candidate Donald Trump during her 2016 reelection campaign after a 2005 recording surfaced in which Trump made lewd comments about women. She refused to attend the Republican National Convention and publicly declared that she would not vote for him.
Life after Congress
After her tenure in Congress, Love transitioned into political commentary, serving as an analyst for CNN. She also worked as a fellow at the University of Sydney, continuing to contribute to political discourse.
Her legacy as a trailblazer in American politics will be remembered by colleagues, constituents, and supporters alike. Funeral arrangements and details on a public memorial will be announced in the coming days.
