Mia Love, First Black Republican Congresswoman, Dead At 49

Mia Love, the first Black female Republican to be elected to Congress, has died at the age of 49.

Her family confirmed, through a statement on social media, that the former lawmaker had passed away on Sunday (March 23) at 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,” detailed the X post. “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”

The statement continued, “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences. 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.”

Earlier this month, Love penned a letter detailing her “living wish for the America I know,” where she also shared that her brain cancer was no longer responding to treatment.

“As a mayor, member of Congress, and media commentator I have seen the worst of petty politics, divisive rhetoric, and disappointing lapses of moral character by some. These same roles also provided me a front row seat and backstage pass to be blessed and inspired by the courage, vision, and hope of America’s finest daughters, sons, and citizens,” she wrote for The Deseret.

“Couching this column as a ‘dying wish’ felt a little dramatic, even for a drama person like me. We are not certain how long this season of my battle will be and I do want to share, and reshare, some things with the world that I passionately believe. I write all of this as my “living wish” and hopefully “enduring wish” for you.”

In her message, Love shared her story as the daughter of immigrants who worked hard to make sure she could fulfill the “American dream.”

“As my season of life begins to draw to a close, I still passionately believe that we can revive the American story we know and love. I am convinced that our citizens must remember the principles of our story so that our children, and those seeking freedom around the world, will know where to look to find a place for their story,” detailed the former CNN contributor.

The essay continued, “My living wish and fervent prayer for you and for this nation is that the America I have known, is the America you fight to preserve and that each citizen, and every leader, will do their part to ensure that the America we know will be the America our grandchildren and great grandchildren will inherit.”

Love was a former U.S. Representative of the 4th Congressional District of Utah where she was elected in 2014 and served two terms. According to the BBC before succeeding politically, she worked as a flight attendant. In her youth, she had hopes of becoming an actress and graduated from the University of Hartford in Connecticut with a degree in musical theatre.

Love’s political career officially began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council, before becoming mayor. The BBC notes Love was critical of President Donald Trump during his running 2016 campaign, endorsing Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz. In 2018, she called for Trump to apologize for disparaging comments about Haiti.

She is survived by Jason, and their three children: Alessa, Abigaile, and Peyton.

VIBE sends our condolences to the family, friends, and all impacted by the death of Mia Love.