Mia Love, first black female Republican in Congress, dies at 49 after battle with brain cancer

Mia Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants who rose to become the first black female Republican in Congress, died after a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, her family announced Sunday night. 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," Love's family wrote in a post on X. "She was in her home surrounded by family."

Love, a former mayor, represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District in the House from 2015 through 2019.

She disclosed last year that she was diagnosed in 2022 with glioblastoma brain cancer, or GBM. Her family announced recently that the cancer had stopped responding to treatments.

Accolades poured in Sunday night from across the country, including from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

“Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love. 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,” Cox said.