Mia Love’s cancer no longer responding to treatment, family says

After years of treatment, former Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah) is no longer responding to treatment for a form of brain cancer, according to her family. 

In a statement posted to Love’s social media account over the weekend, Love’s daughter shared that her mother’s cancer is progressing. 

“We have shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her,” Abigale Love wrote, adding that she would like followers to share pictures, videos and memories with her. “I am building an archive of special memories with Mia.”

Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022. She was given up to 15 months to live, but she surpassed the odds of the aggressive brain cancer. 

The 49-year-old told CNN’s Jake Tapper that in August 2023, she began receiving immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. 

“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I share it because I want my journey to give others hope,” Love said on Facebook shortly after sharing the details of her diagnosis. “Whether you are facing a cancer diagnosis yourself, or fighting a different battle, there is hope! For me, that hope comes from my faith and my family. Both have been a source of immeasurable strength, peace, love, and support. Every day, I thank God for my life and a family who give that life beauty and meaning.”

Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was elected in 2014 to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served for two terms.

In 2016, Love became one of the few Republicans to announce that she would not support then-candidate Donald Trump for the presidency following the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape where he bragged about groping women without their consent. 

“His behavior and bravado have reached a new low,” Love said at the time. 

Love continued to clash with Trump after his 2016 victory, distancing herself from his immigration and trade policies and blasting him for describing countries — including her parents’ birthplace — as “s‑‑‑hole countries.”

“The [president’s] comments are unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values,” Love said at the time. “The President must apologize to both the American people and the nations he so wantonly maligned.”

Love narrowly lost her seat in 2018 to former Salt Lake City Mayor Ben McAdams (D). Soon after, she joined CNN as a commentator. 

Trump took credit for Love’s loss. 

“Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost,” Trump said. “Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.”

Utah’s political leaders have offered their support for Love and her family following Abigale Love’s post. 

“Mia Love has served Utah with integrity, and her strength and grace continue to inspire us,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox posted on social media. “Our hearts are with Mia and her family during this difficult time. Utah stands with you.”

Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator and a former House member, reflected on serving at the same time as Love.

“Mia and I were elected to Congress together in 2014 and she has been one of my closest friends in life ever since,” Zeldin posted on social media. “She’s an amazing and courageous fighter and the Zeldin Family has nothing but love for her forever.”