Salt Lake City, UT – Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has died at the age of 49. The news was confirmed by sources close to the Love family, though the cause of death has not yet been publicly released.
Love, a Haitian-American, represented Utah’s 4th congressional district from 2015 to 2019. Her historic election marked a significant moment in American politics, breaking barriers and offering a new perspective within the Republican Party.
Born Ludmya Bourdeau in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrants who fled political violence, Love often spoke of the values of hard work, self-reliance, and opportunity that her parents instilled in her. These principles shaped her conservative political philosophy and fueled her desire to enter public service.
Prior to her Congressional career, Love served as the mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, from 2010 to 2014, gaining a reputation as a fiscally responsible and community-focused leader.
In Congress, Love was a vocal advocate for tax cuts, limited government, and national security. She served on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Small Business Committee, where she championed policies aimed at fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship. While a staunch conservative, she also demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle on issues such as criminal justice reform and immigration.
Love’s career was not without its challenges. She narrowly won her first election in 2014 and faced a tough re-election battle in 2018, ultimately losing to Democrat Ben McAdams. Her defeat sparked debate within the Republican Party about its outreach to minority communities and its future direction.
Despite her relatively short tenure in Congress, Love left a lasting impact, inspiring many with her story and her commitment to conservative principles. Fellow politicians and community leaders from across the political spectrum have begun to express their condolences and remember her contributions.
“Mia Love was a trailblazer and a dedicated public servant,” said Gov. Spencer J. Cox of Utah. “Her commitment to Utah and to the United States and to her conservative principles was unwavering. We are saddened by her passing and send our deepest sympathies to her family.”
Love is survived by her husband, Jason Love, and their three children. Further details regarding memorial services will be released in the coming days. Her legacy as a pioneer in American politics will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations for years to come.
