The country’s oldest living president died Sunday at the age of 100.
Former President Jimmy Carter was U.S. Navy veteran, a peanut farmer, and Georgia governor before being elected to the nation’s highest office. He oversaw four turbulent years from the White House.
The former president, a Democrat, will be most remembered for his efforts to promote democracy, fight illnesses, build homes for those in need, and resolve diplomatic disputes. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts.
Federal, state, and local politicians reacted to Carter’s death after the news broke.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat:
“President Jimmy Carter was a humble, generous, and admirable public servant — both as our President and in his years after as a citizen in service. I’ve ordered flags across the Commonwealth lowered to half-staff in his honor. Lori and I are praying for the Carter family. May his memory be a blessing.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat:
“President Jimmy Carter was a man whose tremendous faith was equaled by his sense of moral courage and purpose. He saw a nation scarred by Watergate and sought to heal its wounds and restore its faith. He saw the promise for peace in the Middle East and took the first steps toward that elusive goal, including personally brokering a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. He saw a world imperiled by the threat of nuclear war and endeavored to protect it.
“In addition to his accomplishments in public office, it is what President Carter did when he did not have an official title that has solidified his place among our nation’s greatest citizens. He served in the United States Navy with distinction. And he committed his life after the White House to charitable endeavors large and small to better our world – to promote peace, to fight disease, and to house the homeless, among so much else.
“We pray that, in rest, President Carter will be reunited with his beloved wife Rosalynn. And we are sending our prayers, as well, to their children Jack, James II, Donnel, and Amy, along with their families, and all who had the pleasure of knowing President Carter through the years.
“In his youth, few probably ever fathomed the lasting imprint this son of Plains, Georgia would leave on the world. He proved that good people, wanting nothing more than to do good, can excel in politics and life. And, as he leaves us, we are forever grateful.”
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a Democrat:
“Jimmy Carter was a good president, but a great man. Post-politics, he built housing, promoted democracy across the globe, helped to wipe out an endemic disease. Guided by his faith, he devoted his life to public service and his family. Blayre + I are holding them in our prayers.”
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, a Democrat:
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man of unparalleled moral courage, faith, and humanity.
“While his presidency left an undeniable mark, it was his life after the White House that cemented his place among our nation’s greatest citizens. Whether building homes for the homeless, fighting disease, or advancing human rights, President Carter exemplified the belief that public service is a lifelong calling.
“His life taught us what it means to lead with compassion and purpose. I am sending my prayers to his children Jack, James II, Donnel, and Amy, along with their families, and all who had the pleasure of knowing President Carter.”
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat:
“President Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to helping others, during and after his presidency. He was the embodiment of public service, compassionate leadership, and exceptional character. Terese and I send condolences to the Carter family.”
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, a Democrat:
“President Jimmy Carter gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant. His life and legacy will forever be a lesson on the power in one person’s will to do good. I’m sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican:
“President Jimmy Carter’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to service, faith, and compassion. From his time in the U.S. Navy to his presidency, where he brokered the historic Camp David Accords, he dedicated himself to advancing peace and championing human rights. Even well into his 90s, he remained steadfast in his mission, remarkably continuing to serve through his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity.
“As we reflect on his extraordinary lifetime of service, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to the Carter family, wishing them peace and comfort during this difficult time.”
Congressman Tom Kean, a Republican:
“President Jimmy Carter was a true servant of the people. His dedication to building a better world, both in the United States and abroad, will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace.”
Pennsylvania House Democratic leaders:
“President Carter dedicated his life to serving the American people, from his time as a submariner in the nuclear navy to fighting for equality and civil rights as a Georgia state senator and then as governor.
“As president, he guided the nation past the dark memory of Watergate. Here in Pennsylvania, he was a steady, calming voice during the Three Mile Island crisis. Always an engineer, he was among the first to identify and advance renewable energy policies that, had they been maintained, could have changed the world we live in today.
“After his presidency, he became a world leader once again in the arena of human rights and democracy, for which he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, and for decades, he was the face—and the man swinging the hammer—for Habitat for Humanity.
“Please join us in keeping former President Carter’s loved ones in your prayers as our nation mourns together.”
Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, a Republican:
“Jimmy Carter will not be remembered as one of America’s better presidents, but he was undoubtedly one of the most decent, caring and dedicated public servants in our history. We should all aim to live our lives the way he did.”
Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl, a Republican:
“On behalf of my colleagues on the Commissioner Board, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter Family on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.
“President Carter’s post presidency work including overseeing the Carter Center’s efforts to conduct free and fair elections in dozens of countries in the developing world, tackling disease and advancing human rights have had a profound positive impact in the lives of many.
“More close to home, we are reminded of former President Carter’s unwavering dedication and good work advancing affordable housing opportunities for working families through Habitat for Humanity.
“We should all take a moment to reflect upon President Carter’s passing and be inspired to serve others.”
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