SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Mia Love, the first Black woman elected to Congress as a Republican, passed away on Sunday at the age of 49. Her family shared the sad news on her social media account.
Love had been battling brain cancer and was undergoing treatment at Duke University. Unfortunately, her health declined, and she passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Her family expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers during her illness.
Governor Spencer Cox of Utah honored Love, calling her a "true friend" whose legacy inspired many.
Love began her political journey in 2003 when she was elected to the Saratoga Springs city council. She later took on the role of mayor. In 2012, she narrowly lost a congressional race but won a seat in 2014, triumphing over first-time candidate Doug Owens by about 7,500 votes. Though she didn’t highlight her race during her campaign, her success was significant in a predominantly white state like Utah.
During her tenure, Love was seen as a rising star in the GOP but distanced herself from then-candidate Donald Trump due to his unpopularity in Utah. In a recent op-ed, she expressed a desire for a less divided America, reflecting on her experiences as a daughter of Haitian immigrants. She cherished the American dream and emphasized unity over division.
In 2016, amid the controversies surrounding Trump, Love announced she would not support him and instead backed Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Despite her efforts in the following election, she lost her seat by a narrow margin in 2018. Following her defeat, Trump publicly criticized her.
After leaving Congress, Love worked as a political commentator on CNN and took on roles in education. Interestingly, despite her criticisms of Trump’s behavior, she acknowledged that some of his policies could benefit Americans.
Mia Love’s journey is notable not only for her groundbreaking political achievements but also for her insistence on compassion in leadership and a hopeful vision for America. According to a Gallup poll, 61% of Americans feel that political leaders should prioritize unity. Love’s legacy will remain in the hearts of those she inspired to pursue the American dream.
For more on Mia Love and her contributions, you can read her last op-ed in the Deseret News here.
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