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

former president Jimmy Carterthe first American commander-in-chief to live to be 100 years old, his death was fondly remembered by state leaders across the political spectrum.

Georgia Republican Gov. 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 appreciated Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after was in public office,” Kemp said.

Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the leading candidate to replace the term-limited Kemp in 2026, added in his address 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 his own.” “

JIMMY CARTER DEAD AT 100

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

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

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

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

Former two-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said Carter “lived a life of courage, strength, kindness and grace.”

“He was a giant who saw no one less than himself. Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or sponsoring a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, James lived the 2:17 every day,” Abrams said.

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

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

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

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

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

CARTER IS EXPECTED TO LIE IN CAPITOL ROTUNDA

West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman, State Del. 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 strive for a more just and equitable society,” said Pushkin, D- Kanawha.

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

“In everything he did, President Carter put service above himself. He believed strongly in lifting others up and helping those in need – an example we should all follow,” McKee said. “We thank you President Carter for his service to our nation and dedicated his life to making the world a better place.”

One rising star in Carter’s party ordered flags across his state 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 citizen of service,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

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

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

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

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

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

Potential presidential candidate in 2028 Governor Gavin Newsom also bowed in California.

“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,” he said.

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New Jersey’s Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, said in a statement that Carter had proven to be “good people, who want nothing more than to do good – they can excel in politics and in life.”

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

“President Jimmy Carter truly exemplified what it means 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 hotel heir.