Mia Love, former congresswoman for Utah, dies from brain cancer at age 49

SALT LAKE CITY — Former Rep. Mia Love, who served in Congress representing Utah's 4th District from 2015 to 2019, has died after a battle with cancer.

Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer in 2022. Earlier this month, her family announced that the cancer was no longer responding to treatment, and that they had "shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her."

Her family announced Sunday evening that she passed away "peacefully ... in her home surrounded by family." She was 49 years old.

"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."

Political career

Love entered politics in 2003 after winning a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She later became the city’s mayor. In 2012, narrowly lost a bid for the House against the Democratic incumbent, former Rep. Jim Matheson. She ran again in 2014 and defeated Democratic candidate Doug Owens.

Love was the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. The Associated Press wrote in an obituary that Love "didn’t emphasize her race during her campaigns, but she acknowledged the significance of her election after her 2014 victory."

In 2018, she lost her re-election to former Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams. She then served as a political commentator on CNN and as a fellow at the University of Sydney, the AP reports.

VIDEO BELOW: Rep. Mia Love talks politics on "3 Questions with Bob Evans" (2016)

Reaction from local elected officials

Gov. Spencer Cox responded to Love's passing in a social media post, saying: "We are heartbroken at this news. From the time we were mayors together I could always count on Mia as a true friend. Her legacy of service inspired all who knew her. We pray for her family and mourn with them.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson added: "Mia Love was a fearless leader, a history-maker, and a woman of deep conviction. Utah—and our nation—are better because of her courageous work and unwavering belief in the American Dream. My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend. Gabe and I send our prayers and love to her devoted family that she so cherished."

Sen. Mike Lee called her passing "truly heartbreaking," calling Love "an outstanding public servant and a dear friend."

Rep. Burgess Owens, who now serves in her former district, added: "I’m heartbroken to hear of Mia’s passing. She was a trailblazer, a faithful servant, bright light in so many lives, and a dear friend... Today, while we grieve her loss, we also celebrate her tireless commitment to public service, her historic contributions, and the countless lives she touched through her work."

Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT-3): "Katrina and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Love family. Mia was a steadfast believer in the promise of America. I vividly remember her sharing how her parents came to our country with just $10 and a belief in the American dream—a dream she brought to life through her deep love for family, her dedicated public service, and her unwavering commitment to Utah and our nation."

Final message

Just hours before her passing, Love shared some thoughts about life via social media — something she had recently started doing each week. In Sunday morning's post, she shared "seven things that everyone needs to know to find and raise their voice." They included: Purpose, mastery over self, learning from adversity, being a light, time, harmony, and caution.