Mia Love, the trailblazing former U.S. Representative from Utah and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has passed away at the age of 49. Her death, confirmed by her family on Sunday, was attributed to complications from brain cancer, which she had been privately battling for some time.
Born as Ludmya Bourdeau to Haitian immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York, in 1975, Love was a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the American dream. She moved to Utah after graduating from the University of Hartford and became actively involved in public service. Her political career began in 2003 when she was elected to the Saratoga Springs City Council. She later became the city’s mayor before making history in 2014 by winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Utah’s 4th Congressional District.
During her time in Congress, Love was known for her conservative stance on economic policies, strong advocacy for limited government, and efforts to bridge racial and ideological gaps within the Republican Party. She served on the House Financial Services Committee and was a vocal proponent of entrepreneurship and self-reliance, particularly within minority communities. However, she lost her re-election bid in 2018 and subsequently transitioned to roles as a political commentator and academic, regularly appearing on television networks to discuss national issues.
Her death has drawn tributes from political figures across party lines, with former President Donald Trump, Senator Mitt Romney, and House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledging her contributions to American politics. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described her as a "pioneer" and a "fighter" who inspired many.
Love is survived by her husband, Jason Love, and their three children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.