Carter’s death prompts an outpouring of praise from leaders of both parties: ‘A worker’s heart’

Former President Jimmy Carter, the first American commander-in-chief to reach 100 years of age, was greatly remembered by state leaders in political circles after his death.

Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said in a statement that he, first wife Marty Kemp and their children “join the people of Georgia and the entire nation in mourning former President Jimmy Carter.”

“As the only American president from Georgia so far, he showed the world the impact of our situation and its people in the country. And as a son of the Plains, he always appreciated the people of Georgia and the beauty of our country, choosing to return to his rural home after his work in public office,” said Kemp.

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

JIMMY CARTER DIED AT 100

Jones said he once met the Carters and described them as kind and welcoming people.

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

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

To the White House, he brought “the incredible wisdom of a peanut farmer, the work ethic of a home builder and the unwavering faith of a High School teacher,” he added.

Two-term Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said Carter “lived a life of courage, bravery, grace and kindness.”

“He was a giant who never saw anyone as inferior to him. Whether it was at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he was sponsoring a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived James 2:17 every day,” it said. Abrams.

Except for the late Democratic Party, awards are pouring in from all 49 others.

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

Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey noted that Carter grew up not far from the Yellowhammer County line, and praised the Democrat for his Navy career and the job of taking over his family’s peanut farm after his father, James Sr., died.

“Jimmy Carter not only lived the longest of all former Presidents of the United States, but his life brought great dignity to the office of the president,” Ivey said in a statement.

“President Carter lived a good life marked by serving his country. He dedicated his time to building homes for the needy until he was 90 years old,” said Gov. Iowa Kim Reynolds, Republican.

CARTER IS EXPECTED TO SLEEP CAPITOL ROTUNDA

Former President Jimmy Carter arrives to attend a service honoring his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The chairman of the Democratic Party in West Virginia, Del. Mike Pushkin added that Carter’s legacy is one of “humility, integrity and unceasing service.”

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

Democratic Governor of Rhode Island Dan McKee said in a statement that America has lost “a great man, a compassionate leader and a true human being.”

“In everything he did, President Carter put himself to work. He believed strongly in lifting others up and giving a hand to those in need – an example for all of us to follow,” McKee said. “We thank President Carter for his service to our nation and for devoting his life to making the world a better place.”

One rising star in Carter’s party ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday.

“President Jimmy Carter was a humble, generous, and admirable public servant – both as our president and in his years as a working citizen,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

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

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

“[W]What made him so amazing was his humility and compassion,” said Meyer.

Former presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. (HUM Photos via Getty Images)

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly called Carter “a man of real character.”

“His innate personality, his humility, his dedication to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world can live in peace is a wonderful legacy he left behind.”

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, also paid tribute.

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

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

Thousands of kilometers to the west, Gov. Hawaii Democrat Josh Green said the people of his state “send our Aloha and heartfelt sympathy to Carter ‘ohana at this difficult time.”

“President Jimmy Carter really showed what it means to live a life full of service,” added Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, another likely Democratic hopeful in 2028.

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