Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, dies at the age of 49 after a prolonged battle with brain cancer. Her family confirms that she passes away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, on Sunday, surrounded by loved ones. Love had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022. Earlier this month, her daughter shared that Love was no longer responding to treatment and had entered end-of-life care.
Born Ludmya Bourdeau on December 6, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrants, Love’s life and career are defined by perseverance, service, and breaking barriers. After graduating from the University of Hartford with a degree in fine arts, she moved to Utah, where she began her political career. In 2004, she was elected to the Saratoga Springs city council and later became mayor in 2010—Utah’s first Black female mayor.
Love made national history in 2014 when she won election to represent Utah’s 4th Congressional District, becoming the first Black Republican woman in Congress. She served two terms until 2019 and was a member of the House Financial Services Committee. During her tenure, she worked on legislation involving fiscal policy, education reform, and criminal justice, and was known for her independent voice in a deeply polarized political landscape.
After leaving Congress, Love remained engaged in public discourse. She became a political commentator for CNN, frequently appearing on national broadcasts to offer insights on GOP strategy and race relations in America. She also guest-hosted on “The View” and held a fellowship at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service.
Throughout her career, Love remained vocal about her faith, family, and belief in the American dream. She often spoke of her parents’ journey from Haiti and their influence on her values of self-reliance, freedom, and opportunity.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political spectrum. Utah Governor Spencer Cox calls her “a trailblazer and dedicated public servant,” while former Senator Mitt Romney praises her “historic contributions and unwavering commitment to her constituents.” Many colleagues, political commentators, and citizens remember her as a symbol of resilience and hope, whose presence reshaped the national political conversation on race, gender, and conservatism.
Love is survived by her husband, Jason Love, and their three children. Her family has asked for privacy as they mourn and celebrate the legacy of a woman who made history and inspired a generation of public servants.
Sources:
- https://apnews.com/article/mia-love-congress-black-republican-died-440edac7923942e9329e0224a3d053c1
- https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/15032411201
- https://politics.georgetown.edu/profile/mia-love
- https://nypost.com/2025/03/24/us-news/former-utah-rep-mia-love-the-first-black-republican-woman-elected-to-the-us-house-has-died
- https://youtu.be/MQOykvPDBTk
