Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, died Sunday at age 49, her family said. Love passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, surrounded by her loved ones, according to a statement posted online. She had been living with brain cancer.
Love made history in 2014 when she was elected to Congress. She served two terms representing Utah before narrowly losing her seat in 2018. Her election was a landmark moment in American politics.
Early life of Mia Love, the first black Republican Congresswoman
She was born Ludmya Bourdeau in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian parents who immigrated to the United States seeking better opportunities. Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, faith, and responsibility. Love frequently spoke about her family’s journey and the values they brought to the United States. Before entering politics, she worked as a flight attendant and raised three children.
As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming an actress. She studied musical theatre and earned a degree from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
Her political career began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs, Utah City Council. At age 34, she became the city’s mayor, gaining attention for her leadership and dedication to public service.
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 rose to national prominence during her time in Congress. While she was a member of the Republican Party, she did not shy away from expressing disagreement with party leaders. During the 2016 presidential race, she supported Texas Sen. Ted Cruz over Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. In 2018, she publicly called on Trump to apologize for making offensive comments about Haiti.
After her close loss to Democrat Ben McAdams in 2018, Trump remarked, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost.” Despite the comment, Love remained a respected figure in Utah politics and national conversations about diversity in government.
Diagnosed with ‘glioblastoma’ in 2022
In 2022, Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing form of brain cancer. Doctors gave her a life expectancy of 10 to 15 months. She lived longer than expected and continued to share her thoughts through writing and public appearances.
Two weeks before her death, Love wrote an opinion piece for Deseret News, reflecting on her life and offering gratitude. She wrote, “not to say goodbye but to say thank you and express my living wish for you and the America I know.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox paid tribute on social media, calling her “A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply.” He said her courage and belief in the American dream inspired many and that her impact would not be forgotten.
Love is remembered for breaking barriers and leading with purpose. Her voice, her work, and her message leave a lasting legacy.