Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman in congress, has died aged 49 following cancer diagnosis
Mia Love, a former US Representative who became the first Republican Black woman in Congress, has died after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
News of Love's death was confirmed by her family on Sunday (March 23), three years after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer, or GBM, in 2022.
GBM starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, and can grow quickly to invade and destroy healthy tissue. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, those diagnosed with GBM typically have a prognosis of one-and-a-half to two years left. There is only a 10 percent chance of survival after five years.
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In a post on Love's Twitter account, her family shared the news of her death as they wrote: "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 went on to say Love was 'in her home surrounded by family' when she died at just 49 years old.
"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," it continued. "We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences."
Love made history in 2014 when she was elected to represent Utah’s 4th Congressional District; a position she achieved after she first entered politics by fighting a mosquito problem in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
She went on to become the city’s mayor, before joining Congress and serving from 2015 to 2019.
During her time in Congress, Love also became the only Republican member of the Congressional Black Caucus; a group made up of Black members of Congress who work to ensure that Black Americans and other marginalized communities 'have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream'.
The Congresswoman then lost her seat by less than a percentage point to Democratic challenger Ben McAdams, after which she went on to join CNN as a political commentator.
Tributes have been pouring in for Love in the wake of her death, with Utah Governor Spencer Cox describing her as a 'trailblazer' and a 'visionary leader'.
“[My wife] Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love," Cox said. "A true trailblazer and visionary leader, 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."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Emily Brown