Former U.S. Representative and political commentator Mia Love has died, her family announced on Sunday, March 23.
In the statement posted on X, her family shared that Love passed away following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
She was 49.
“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,” her family wrote.
“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 thanked supporters for their prayers and condolences and said they would share details about funeral services and a public memorial in the coming days.
Love 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… pic.twitter.com/YzhAuH1l9x
— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) March 24, 2025
Love’s death comes just weeks after she revealed that her cancer was no longer responding to treatment. In a statement on March 11, she expressed gratitude for the time she had left.
“My dear friends, fellow Americans and Utahns,” she wrote. “I am taking up my pen, not to say goodbye but to say thank you and express my living wish for you and the America I know.”
Love shared that her family had shifted their focus from treatment to cherishing every moment together. She also thanked her medical team, as well as her family, friends and supporters, for their prayers and encouragement.
“We are not certain how long this season of my battle will be and I do want to share, and reshare, some things with the world that I passionately believe,” she wrote. “I write all of this as my ‘living wish’ and hopefully ‘enduring wish’ for you.”
Reflecting on her time in public service, Love spoke about the challenges of politics but also the hope she found in the American people.
“As a mayor, member of Congress and media commentator I have seen the worst of petty politics, divisive rhetoric and disappointing lapses of moral character by some. These same roles also provided me a front row seat and backstage pass to be blessed and inspired by the courage, vision and hope of America’s finest daughters, sons and citizens.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Love was the third child of Haitian immigrants.
Her family later moved to Connecticut, where she spent her early years. After high school, she attended the University of Hartford on a half-tuition scholarship.
Following graduation, she worked as a flight attendant and later converted from Catholicism to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She moved to Utah in 1998 and married LDS missionary Jason Love.
Love’s political career began in 2003 when she won a seat in the Saratoga Springs City, before being elected mayor in 2009.
She then turned her attention to Congress, narrowly losing a House seat to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson in 2012. She ran again in 2014 and won, becoming Utah’s first Black representative and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress.
During her two terms in the House, Love served on the House Financial Services Committee and worked on legislation related to banking regulations, pyramid schemes and immigration. She was also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described her as a “trailblazer and visionary leader.”
“Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream,” Cox posted on X. “Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply.”
Former Massachusetts Governor and U.S. Senator Mitt Romney also paid tribute.
“Heavy heart with the passing of my friend and colleague, Mia Love. Her energy, enthusiasm and wit made her a stand-out member of Congress,” Romney wrote. “Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and for countless others. We will dearly miss you, Mia.”
“Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and for countless others. We will dearly miss you, Mia.”
Senator Mike Lee, who served alongside Love in Congress, called her an “outstanding public servant and a dear friend.”
“This is truly heartbreaking. Lee wrote on X. “Her passing leaves a deep, painful void.”
Love is survived by her husband, Jason, and their three children, Alessa, Abigale and Peyton.
