SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The former U.S. Representative from Utah, Mia Love, whose parents were immigrants from Haiti and was the first African American female Republican to be voted into Congress, passed away on Sunday.
She was 49.
Love's family posted news of her death on Love's X account.
She recently underwent treatment for brain cancer and participated in a clinical trial receiving immunotherapy at Duke University’s brain tumor center. Earlier this month, her daughter mentioned that the ex-lawmaker was no longer showing response to the treatment.
Love passed away at her residence in Saratoga Springs, Utah, as stated in an announcement made by the 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,” her family said. “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences."
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called Love a "genuine friend" and stated that her history of public service was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
In 2003, Love ventured into politics following her victory as a city councillor in Saratoga Springs, an expanding area approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. Subsequently, she went on to serve as the city’s mayor.
In 2012, Love barely missed out on unseating the Democratic incumbent, former Representative Jim Matheson, who held office in a district encompassing several Salt Lake City suburbs. Two years later, she made another attempt and won over newcomer Doug Owens by approximately 7,500 votes.
Love didn’t stress her racial background during her campaigns, but she recognized the importance of her victory following her triumph in 2014. She stated that her success contradicted those who doubted that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could secure a congressional seat in predominantly White Utah.
She was initially seen as a burgeoning figure in the GOP, and she maintained a cautious stance away from Donald Trump, who was disliked by numerous Utah voters, during his presidential campaign leading up to the 2016 election.
In an op-ed Published earlier this month in the Deseret News, Love recounted the version of America she cherished during her upbringing and expressed her ongoing desire for the country to reduce divisiveness. She extended gratitude to her healthcare providers and all those who had offered prayers for her well-being.
Love mentioned that her parents moved to the U.S. with just $10 and an unwavering faith that diligent effort would bring about prosperity. According to her, she grew up embracing the idea of the American Dream wholeheartedly and "loving this nation, flaws included." At its core, America embodies respectfulness, resilience, generosity, and a steadfast resolve, as per Love’s description.
Her involvement in politics brought Love face-to-face with America’s darker aspects, yet she stated this experience allowed her to witness firsthand the inspiration derived from individuals' hope and bravery. She expressed her desire for community members to unite and concentrate on what unites them instead of what divides them.
"Some have overlooked the arithmetic of America — when you divide, you reduce," Love penned.
She encouraged elected leaders to guide with empathy and be truthful when speaking to the people they represent.
In conclusion, I hope that my life has had an impact and brought about change for the country I cherish and the loved ones who mean everything to me," Love stated. "May you witness the America I hold dear in the coming years; may you sense my thoughts echoing in the breeze of freedom’s call and perceive my spirit burning brightly within the steadfast flames of liberty’s ideals. My deepest desire and earnest plea for both you and our nation is that the America I’ve experienced remains one worth fighting to uphold."
In 2016, during his bid for reelection after the leak of a 2005 video where Trump made vulgar remarks about touching women without consent, Love decided against attending the Republican National Convention and issued a statement firmly declaring her refusal to support Trump. Instead, she threw her backing behind Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the primary contest within the GOP. However, several months later, when Cruz withdrew from the race, her plans changed once again.
In 2018, when aiming for a third term, Love attempted to distance herself from Trump on issues of trade and immigration while still supporting her party’s stance on tax cuts. Even though Republicans outnumbered Democrats by almost a three-to-one ratio in her district, she narrowly lost to Democrat Ben McAdams, who previously served as the mayor of Salt Lake County, by less than 700 votes.
Trump singled out Love by name during a press conference the day following her loss, where he similarly criticized other Republicans who hadn't wholeheartedly supported him.
Trump stated, 'Mia Love showed me no support, and she was defeated.' He added, 'What a shame. I feel sorry for you, Mia.'
Following her setback, Love worked as a political analyst for CNN and held a fellowship position at the University of Sydney.
After Trump won the election in November, Love expressed that she was "fine with the result."
Yes, Trump utters many thoughtless statements that are regrettable and indefensible," Love stated in a social media update. "Nonetheless, his policies stand a strong chance of advantaging all Americans.
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Brown filed the report from Billings, Montana.
Hannah Schoenbaum and Matthew Brown from The Associated Press