Mia Love, first Black Republican Congresswoman in the US, dies at 49

Mia Love's cause of death has been attributed to glioblastoma, an aggressive and rare brain cancer.

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Mia Love, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress as a Republican, has passed away at the age of 49 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Her family confirmed the news on social media Sunday night, sharing that Love passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Love represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019 and was widely recognised as a trailblazer and visionary leader.

She was praised for her courage and grace, particularly during her battle with cancer.

Her passing has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, with Utah Governor Spencer Cox describing her as “a true trailblazer” and acknowledging the profound influence she had on the state.

In May, Love appeared on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, where she spoke about her 2022 diagnosis and the challenging prognosis of just 10-15 months to live.

Despite the grim forecast, Love expressed optimism and continued to receive treatment through a clinical trial at Duke University’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. She also credited her Mormon faith for helping her through the ordeal.

After leaving Congress, Love became a political commentator for CNN and was a regular guest on ABC’s The View.

Throughout her career, Love was known for her commitment to public service and her inspiring belief in the American dream.

Her family’s statement on social media read, “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.”

Love’s legacy will be remembered for her pioneering role in politics and her determination to overcome adversity.