Mia Love, America’s First Black Republican Woman in Congress, Dies at 49

Nationwide — Mia Love, an African American woman who became the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, died on March 23rd at the age of 49 after a three-year battle with brain cancer. Her family confirmed she passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Born to Haitian immigrants, Love’s family moved to the United States a year before she was born. Raised in Connecticut, she was active in color guard and drama during high school. She earned a scholarship to the University of Hartford’s Hartt School and later worked as a flight attendant. In 1997, she moved to Utah, where she married Jason Love and raised three children, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

Love’s political career began after she protested a developer’s neglect in Saratoga Springs, Utah. This activism inspired her to run for City Council, where she became the first Black woman elected to office in Utah County. In 2009, she became mayor during a financial crisis, gaining national recognition as a rising Republican leader.

In 2014, Love made history when she defeated Democrat Doug Owens and won a seat in Congress. She joined the Congressional Black Caucus, where she built relationships with influential figures like John Lewis and Elijah Cummings.

Love was known for her strong convictions, advocating for the American Dream while challenging certain policies within her party. She notably spoke out against President Trump’s derogatory comments about Haiti, her family’s homeland. After losing her re-election bid in 2018, Love remained active in politics as a CNN contributor and occasional host on The View.

In 2022, Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and courageously shared her journey, inspiring many with her faith and resilience. Her family confirmed her passing after her treatment stopped being effective.