Mia Love wins GOP nomination for Utah seat

Apr. 26, 2014: Mia Love speaks during the Utah Republican Party nominating convention.

Rising Republican star Mia Love comfortably secured her party’s nomination to replace retiring Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, on Saturday, putting her one step closer to becoming the first black female Republican elected to Congress.

TheHill.com reports that the former Saratoga Springs, Utah, mayor brought in over 78 percent of the vote at the local Republican convention, with competitor Bob Fuehr coming second with approximately 22 percent of the vote.

"Mia Love has been a tireless advocate for hardworking Utah families throughout her career and will bring this same dedication to Congress,” said National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Greg Walden in a statement Saturday evening.

“With Jim Matheson's retirement, Republicans are poised to pick up this congressional seat and there is no better candidate to lead the charge than Mia Love,” the statement read.

Love, who became a national party favorite after her speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention, will face off against Democrat Doug Owens – who picked up 98 percent of the vote at the Democrat convention.

The suburban Salt Lake City district is seen by many as a likely pickup for the GOP, with presidential nominee Mitt Romney carrying the district by 37 points in 2012.

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