Candidate Conversation: Mia Love for 4th District, Congress

Editor’s Note: This is part of a 12-episode series of Candidate Conversations with the Voices of Reason Podcast in which hosts Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee talk with Utah candidates running for federal office. The podcasts offer unique depth into the candidates’ priorities, backgrounds and reasons for running to represent the citizens of Utah. This is an effort to help voters learn more about those running for office and their positions on critical local and national issues.

SALT LAKE CITY — Before Rep. Mia Love, R-UT gained notoriety as the first black Republican female to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was a small town mayor born the daughter of Haitian immigrants who firmly believed in the principles of freedom and democracy that America stands for.

Speaking on the Voices of Reason podcast with Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee, Love explained how deeply grateful they were upon taking the oath of citizenship.

Coming to America

“They had studied American history, they studied the Constitution and when they pledged their allegiance to the American flag for the very first time, they knew exactly what they were doing and they meant every word of it,” she said.

“They weren’t just willing to take on the benefits of being a U.S. citizen, but (also) the responsibilities.”

They told her, “You are going to do your part to preserve and make this a great place for not just you, but for everybody around you. Use your gifts and talents for the betterment of society.”

Born in New York and raised in Connecticut, Mia Love moved to Saratoga Springs after graduating from college. Her political career was launched when she served on the city council, then as mayor, before running for Congress in 2012.

Separate and unequal

During her tenure in Washington, D.C., Love has made immigration one of her priority issues.

“I hate to think that in the United States today, that we have two types of Americans — those that have citizenship and those who no matter how hard they try, work and contribute to our society can never seek citizenship,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my parents’ ability to come and be (citizens).”

Hear the full Candidate Conversation along with Love’s thoughts on other issues here as well as why she believes Utah voters should select her to return to Congress on the Voices of Reason podcast. To hear other Candidate Conversations, subscribe to the podcast free on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.