Mia Love was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 6, 1975. Her parents, Haitian immigrants Maxime and Marie Bourdeau fled political unrest in Haiti and settled in the U.S. in 1974.
Love grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut, after the family moved there. She graduated from the University of Hartford with a fine arts degree in 1997. Initially, she worked as a flight attendant.
Path to Politics
Love’s political journey began in Utah. She converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved there. In 2003, at age 28, she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She tackled a mosquito issue that launched her into local fame. By 2009, she became mayor, the first Black woman elected in Utah County. Her leadership during the recession earned her notice.
Breaking Barriers in Congress
2012 Love spoke at the Republican National Convention, gaining national attention. She ran for Utah’s 4th Congressional District but lost narrowly to Jim Matheson. Undeterred, she ran again in 2014 and won, defeating Doug Owens. This victory made her the first Black Republican woman in Congress. She served from 2015 to 2019, securing re-election in 2016. Her tenure focused on banking reform and military sexual assault protections.
Controversies and Trump
Love often clashed with Donald Trump. In 2016, she refused to endorse him, backing Ted Cruz instead. She criticized his 2018 Haiti remarks, demanding an apology. After losing to Ben McAdams by 694 votes in 2018, Trump mocked her, saying, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost.” She fired back, calling his approach transactional. Later, she softened, supporting his 2024 policies despite his rhetoric.
Post-Congress and Legacy
After Congress, Love joined CNN as a commentator. She also hosted on The View occasionally. In 2020, she served as a Utah elector. Her voice stayed sharp, advocating for minority outreach in the GOP. She wrote Qualified in 2023, sharing her story.
Love-faced glioblastoma, a brain cancer
Love faced glioblastoma, a brain cancer, diagnosed in 2022. She underwent surgery and immunotherapy at Duke University. By March 2025, her daughter Abigale said treatments failed. Love died on March 23, 2025, at 49, surrounded by family in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called her a “trailblazer.” Her legacy endures through her husband Jason, three children, and one grandchild.
