(The Center Square) – Jimmy Carter, one of only two Democrats to carry North Carolina in presidential elections over the last 60 years, is being remembered fondly by key members of the state’s two major political parties.
He died Sunday in Plains, Ga., at the age of 100.
“President Carter will be remembered for his passion for helping those in need, his robust and unshakeable faith, and his commitment to public service,” said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., along with his wife Amy Kate, added their condolences and said, “We respect his service to our nation and to others through his significant charitable work after his presidency.”
Carter is a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
“President Carter’s legacy is defined by humility, integrity and a lifelong dedication to service,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C. “As a president and humanitarian, he led with compassion and endeavored to improve the world.”
Carter, a peanut farmer by trade, was a state senator and the governor of Georgia prior to winning the White House.
“Today we lost an icon who was the epitome of what it means to be a true public servant in and out of office,” said two-term Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. “In a political world of hate and bombast, President Carter was a kind, calm, giving and sincere man of faith. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Carter was the nation’s 39th president, defeating Republican Gerald R. Ford in 1976 – the Grits and Fritz ticket with Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale – and losing to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980. He carried North Carolina first time around, but not the second.
“From his time in the White House to his work with Habitat for Humanity and tireless efforts for peace, he leaves a better world behind,” said U.S. Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C.
Carter had entered hospice care in February 2023. His wife died later that year in November. No other president lived as long.
“Jimmy Carter lived a life of service to the Navy, his home state of Georgia and the United States,” said Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee and former leader of the North Carolina Republican Party. “He was a man of strong faith and commitment to making the world a better place.”
Anderson Clayton, chairwoman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, posted a crying emoji to social media with the comment, “a southern governor we could all be proud of.” The North Carolina Republican Party reposted President-elect Donald Trump’s comments of warm reflection.
Carter was 56 years old when he left the White House.
“He restored dignity and humility to the White House when it was sorely needed,” said U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C. “He challenged Americans to walk ‘a path of common purpose,’ to reject war and materialism, and to take bold steps to protect our planet and future.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards praised his “heart of service” and U.S. Rep. David Rouzer said he was “a true humanitarian who never failed to continue working for the greater good.”
Added U.S. Rep. Dr. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., “He served our country with honor, both in the Navy and as our 39th president, and cared profoundly for those in need.”
