Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. Congress, died Sunday following a three-year-long battle with brain cancer. The former congresswoman, born to Hattian immigrants in 1975, represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019.
Utah public officials shared their sympathies in news releases and comments on social media shortly after the news broke on Sunday. Here’s what they said:
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson
“Mia Love was a fearless leader, a history-maker, and a woman of deep conviction. Utah—and our nation—are better because of her courageous work and unwavering belief in the American Dream,“ Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson wrote on X. ”My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend. Gabe and I send our prayers and love to her devoted family that she so cherished. ”
U.S. Sen. Mike Lee
“This is truly heartbreaking. Mia Love was an outstanding public servant and a dear friend,“ wrote Sen Mike Lee, who served with Love in Congress, on X. “Her passing leaves a deep, painful void.”
[READ: Mia Love, Utah’s history-making former congresswoman, dies at 49]
U.S. Sen. John Curtis
“Mia Love’s words remind us what makes America great—not government, but the people. Her ‘living wish’ calls on us to embrace self-reliance, compassion, and courage—principles our country was built on,” Sen. John Curtis said earlier this month, sharing a link to an oped Love wrote ahead of her death.
“I am inspired by her faith, her fight, and her unwavering commitment to advancing the American dream,” he said. “May we all honor her wish by facing the impossible with grit and patriotism.”
U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens
“I’m heartbroken to hear of Mia’s passing. She was a trailblazer, a faithful servant, bright light in so many lives, and a dear friend,” wrote Rep. Burgess Owens on X. “Our Utah communities mourn with the Love family, and we pray that they find peace in Heavenly Father’s love and comfort, and in the love Mia brought to all.
“Mia served Utah’s 4th District with distinction, bringing passion, energy, and unwavering dedication to everything she did,” Owens added. “It is a profound honor to follow in her footsteps and build upon the foundation she laid.
“Today, while we grieve her loss, we also celebrate her tireless commitment to public service, her historic contributions, and the countless lives she touched through her work.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy
“Katrina and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Love family,” wrote Rep. Mike Kennedy, the newest member of Utah’s congressional delegation, on X.
“Mia was a steadfast believer in the promise of America,” he said. “I vividly remember her sharing how her parents came to our country with just $10 and a belief in the American dream — a dream she brought to life through her deep love for family, her dedicated public service, and her unwavering commitment to Utah and our nation.”
This story is breaking and will be updated.