Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, died Sunday after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
The former U.S. House member, born to Haitian 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 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, formerly Twitter. ”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,“ Sen Mike Lee, who served with Love in Congress, wrote on X. “Her passing leaves a deep, painful void.”
[READ: Mia Love, Utah’s history-making former congresswoman, dies at 49.]
On Monday, Lee gave a speech on the Senate floor memorializing Love.
“Every single time I saw Mia, she had a smile on her face. She had words of encouragement for me and everyone around her,” Lee said. “Whether they agreed with her on a particular issue or not, she was there offering words of encouragement and a way forward. It’s the kind of leader we all benefit from knowing and the kind of friend I feel very blessed to have made.”
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 op-ed 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,” Rep. Mike Kennedy, the newest member of Utah’s congressional delegation, wrote 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."
U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy
“Mia Love helped blaze the trail that I now walk,” wrote Rep. Celeste Maloy, the only woman currently representing Utah in Congress. “She served with grace and inspired many with her conviction that the American dream is alive and well.
“Our state and our country are better because of her,” Maloy continued. “My deepest condolences to the Love family.”
U.S. Rep. Blake Moore
“I join the chorus of others recognizing the extraordinary life of the Honorable Mia Love. She is the best that Utah has to offer, and I continue to wish her family peace and comfort during this difficult time,” Rep. Blake Moore posted on social media.
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown
“Today is a heartbreaking day for our state,” Attorney General Derek Brown posted on X. “Mia’s courage, grace, and wisdom were an example not only to people across the state, but people across the country.”
“I have many fond memories of Mia — so many of those memories were seeing her tenderly serve people,” said Brown, who is a pianist and performed several times with Love. “She also had a beautiful singing voice and I considered it an honor to accompany her. My wife Emilie and I mourn her passing and our prayers are with the Love family.”
Former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney
“Heavy heart with the passing of my friend and colleague, Mia Love,” former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney said on social media. “Her energy, enthusiasm and wit made her a stand-out member of Congress. Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and for countless others. We will dearly miss you, Mia.”
State Rep. Sandra Hollins
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Congresswoman Mia Love. I first had the honor of encountering her in 2014 after our historic win, when we congratulated each other on our achievements,” said state Rep. Sandra Hollins, the only Black member of the Utah Legislature, in a statement.
“As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, she truly embodied the promise of the American Dream. She made history as the first Black woman to serve in her party in the U.S. Congress, breaking barriers and inspiring countless others along the way.
“Her legacy of resilience, strength, and commitment to public service will never be forgotten,” Hollins continued. “My family’s heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Love family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert
“Jeanette and I extend our heartfelt love and condolences to the family of [Congresswoman] Mia Love,” posted former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert on social media. “Working with her over the years as Mayor, Congresswoman, a concerned citizen, and watching her contribute to the debate on CNN has been inspiring to me and many others. She will be missed.”
Politicians outside of Utah
Former Vice President Mike Pence
“Mia Love served Utah and America with courage and grace,” said former Vice President Mike Pence on X. “Her life made a difference for the Nation and she will be deeply missed. [Karen] and I are praying for her family, friends and all who admired this good and godly woman. God Bless Mia Love.”
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
“Mia Love was a trailblazing public servant and a woman of integrity with a deep faith in God. Her days of service to our country sadly ended far too soon,” Condoleezza Rice, the secretary of state under President George W. Bush, said on X. “May she rest in peace.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, trailblazer, and former Congresswoman, Mia Love,” South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott posted on social media. Scott was the only Black Republican in the U.S. House before Love was elected.
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