Mia Love, First Black Republican Woman Elected to Congress, Dies at 49 After Cancer Battle • Hollywood Unlocked

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Former Utah Rep. Mia Love Dies at 49 Following Cancer Battle

The political world just lost a trailblazing icon. Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has died at 49 following a tough battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Her family shared the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter), letting the world know she passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in her home.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

Her death comes after a quiet but fierce fight with cancer that sadly stopped responding to treatment earlier this month.

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 17: Rep. Mia Love (R-UT) speaks during a news conference with (L-R) Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) following their weekly caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. After President Donald Trump said he believed President Vladimir Putin that Russia did not interfere with the 2016 presidential election during a news conference in Finland, Ryan released a statement critical of Trump. “There is no question that Russia interfered in our election and continues attempts to undermine democracy here and around the world,” Ryan said in a statement. “The president must appreciate that Russia is not our ally.” (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Breaking Barriers: Mia Love’s Legacy in American Politics

Love stepped into Congress in 2015, representing Utah’s 4th congressional district, she made history. Not just for her politics, but for her presence. A Black woman. A Republican. In Utah.

Before her time in Congress, Love made moves locally too. She served as mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, after serving on its city council. Even after her political run, she kept her voice heard as a CNN contributor, weighing in on major issues and continuing to bring her perspective to national conversations.

A Private Battle, A Public Inspiration

While many didn’t know the full extent of her illness, her fight behind the scenes was courageous. Glioblastoma is no joke—it’s one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. But Mia fought it with the same energy she brought to politics: fierce, focused, and fearless.

According to her family, doctors had exhausted all options. Her daughter shared earlier this month that treatments weren’t working anymore. Still, Mia never stopped smiling. She never stopped loving. And she never stopped being a beacon to others—even when her own light was dimming.

“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,” her family shared.

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