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Mia Love, former Utah congresswoman and Saratoga Springs mayor, dies of cancer at 49

By Curtis Booker - Daily Herald | Mar 24, 2025

Rick Bowmer, Associated Press

Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, speaks to the Utah Senate at the Utah State Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in Salt Lake City.

Former U.S. Rep. Mia Love has died at the age of 49 after a battle with brain cancer, her family announced Sunday evening.

In a social media post just after 8 p.m. Sunday, the Love family made the announcement that she passed away peacefully inside of her home surrounded by loved ones.

“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. We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences,” the family wrote.

Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, a form of brain cancer in 2022.

She received immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial; in an initial prognosis, doctors estimated she’d only live another 10-15 months, which she surpassed.

On March 1, Love’s daughter Abigale took to social media with news that her mother’s cancer was progressing and not reacting to the treatment.

As her battle with brain cancer was coming to an end, Mia Love penned a letter calling it her living wish for the America I know, which was published March 11, in the Deseret News.

Love recounted some of the moments from her youth and time in national and local politics, while expressing her hopes for the future of America.

Mia Love was born to Haitian immigrants, and would go on to break down barriers for women of color in Washington, D.C.

She was the first Black Republican woman to be elected to Congress, serving in Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019.

Before heading to the nation’s capital, Love was also the first black woman to serve as a Utah mayor.

Utah remembers Mia Love

Mia Love dedicated more than a decade of public service in Saratoga Springs. She was a city council member from 2004-2009, before becoming the city’s mayor from 2010-2013.

The city released a statement Monday afternoon, honoring her service and contributions, and remembering her as a key figure in its development.

As a City Councilwoman, Love was involved in the planning and creation of the city library, and developing a long-term vision for Saratoga Springs.

As Mayor, Mia played a crucial role in expanding the city’s economic foundation by working with developers to begin the creation of various retail offerings to help strengthen the city’s economic resilience and growth.

“I had the privilege of running for City Council while Mia was running for Mayor. Working alongside her to shape Saratoga Springs’ future was a privilege. She was a passionate advocate for the residents and the City she loved, representing them with honor and distinction,” Saratoga Springs Mayor Jim Miller wrote.

Tributes also poured in on social media from different prominent Utah leaders.

Gov. Spencer Cox called Love a true trailblazer and commended her visionary leadership.

“Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “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.”

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson praised Love for her courage and belief in the American dream.

“Mia Love was a fearless leader, a history-maker, and a woman of deep conviction,” Henderson wrote. “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.”

Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy remembered Love for her unwavering commitment to Utah and the nation.

“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,” Kennedy wrote.

U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens said Love was a bright light for many people, and a dear friend.

“Mia served Utah’s 4th District with distinction, bringing passion, energy, and unwavering dedication to everything she did. It is a profound honor to follow in her footsteps and build upon the foundation she laid,” Owens said.

Utah County elected officials also remembered Love for her service.

“Utah County lost a giant of a woman today,” County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said in a statement. “Mia Love served our community for many years, from her time as city councilwoman and mayor of Saratoga Springs to her role as congresswoman in Utah’s 4th District. Mia’s congressional campaign was the first one I ever worked on and it was an honor.”

Beltran went on to send his condolences to the Love family as they navigate this difficult time.

Love is survived by her husband, Jason Love, and three children, Alessa, Abigale and Peyton.

Plans for a private funeral service and a celebration of Mia Love’s life are in the works, according to the Love family.

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