Carter’s death prompts outpouring of tributes from state leaders in both parties: ‘A servant’s heart’

former president Jimmy Carterthe first commander-in-chief of the United States to reach the age of 100, he was fondly remembered by state leaders from across the political spectrum after his passing.

Georgia’s Republican governor, Brian Kemp, said in a statement that he, first lady Marty Kemp and their children “join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter.”

“As the only American president ever to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of the Plains, he always valued Georgians and virtues of our state, and chose to return to his rural home after his time in public office,” Kemp said.

Georgia GOP Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a leading potential candidate to replace the term-limited Kemp in 2026, added in his own tribute that Georgia, the nation and the world “lost a man who exemplified the what it means to be a public servant and to put the needs of others before your own.”

JIMMY CARTER DEAD AT 100

Jones said he once met the Carters and described them as friendly and accepting.

Georgia state Senate Leader John F. Kennedy, R-Fort Valley, said Carter’s life was “largely defined by his servant’s heart” and “a steadfast commitment to our country and state”.

“The gentleman has called home his good and faithful servant,” added Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Effingham.

At the white house, he brought “the pragmatic wisdom of a peanut farmer, the work ethic of a homebuilder and the unyielding faith of a Sunday school teacher,” he added.

Stacey Abrams, the former two-time Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said Carter “lived a life of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace.”

“He was a giant who never saw anyone smaller than himself. Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he sponsored a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived James 2:17 every day “, he said. Abrams.

Outside the late Democrat’s home state, tributes poured in from the other 49.

In neighboring North Carolina, Democratic governor-elect Josh Stein called the late president a “man of principle” who “represented the best of America: guided by faith and service and dedicated to the promise of our nation.” .

Republican Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey noted that Carter grew up not far from the Yellowhammer state line and praised the Democrat for his service in the Navy and his work to take over the farm of his family’s peanut after the death of his father, James Sr.

“Jimmy Carter not only lived the longest of any former American president, but his life also brought greater dignity to the presidency,” Ivey said in a statement.

“President Carter lived a great life marked by service to his country. He volunteered his time to build homes for those in need well into his 90s,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican.

CARTER was expected to be at CAPITOL ROTUNDA

West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Pushkin added that Carter’s legacy is one of “humility, integrity and relentless service.”

“He taught us that true leadership is not about power, but about lifting others up and making the world a better place. His work continues to inspire generations of Americans to engage in public service and fight for a more just society and equitable”. said Pushkin, D-Kanawha.

Rhode Island’s Democratic governor, Dan McKee, said in a statement that America had lost a “great man, compassionate leader and true humanitarian.”

“In everything he did, President Carter put service above self. He was a fierce believer in lifting others up and lending a helping hand to those in need, an example to us all,” McKee said . “We give thanks President Carter for his service to our nation and for dedicating his life to making the world a better place.”

A rising star in Carter’s party ordered flags in his state at half-staff on Monday.

“President Jimmy Carter was a humble, generous and admirable public servant, both as president and in his later years as a serving citizen,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

In the current president’s home state, outgoing Delaware Gov. John Carney called Carter a “champion of peace and human rights.”

Matt Meyer, governor-elect of Delaware, wrote in X that Carter’s life “left an indelible mark on the world.”

“What made him truly extraordinary was his humility and compassion,” Meyer said.

Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said Carter was “a truly moral man.”

“His innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.”

In California, potential 2028 presidential candidate Governor Gavin Newsom also paid his respects.

“Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion of human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place,” she said.

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Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement that Carter showed that “good people, who want nothing more than to do good, can excel in politics and in life.”

Thousands of miles to the west, Hawaii’s Democratic governor, Josh Green, said the people of his state “send our Aloha and condolences to the Carter ‘ohana during this difficult time.”

“President Jimmy Carter truly exemplified what it meant to live a life of service,” added Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, another likely 2028 Democratic hopeful.

“His high legacy of compassion for others set a standard that will always be remembered,” added the Hyatt Hotels heir.