California politicians react to President Jimmy Carter’s death: ‘A man of rare character’
California politicians honored former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100.
Republicans and Democrats alike remembered the 39th president and former Georgia governor for his commitment to service and humanitarian causes.
“President Carter was a man of rare character,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement Sunday afternoon. “Whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered.”
Newsom commended Carter, for whom “service ... was a way of life.”
“President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who earned Carter’s final presidential vote in the November presidential election, honored his “deep and abiding faith” in a statement posted to X Sunday afternoon.
“President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith — in God, in America, and in humanity,” she said.
“I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come.”
Former Sen. Barbara Boxer, who Harris replaced in 2016, said Carter “truly built hope and opportunity for so many who stood on (his) unselfish and humble shoulders. Let it be a lesson to us all.
“Today we mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter,” said Sen. Alex Padilla., D-Calif. “May his legacy of humanitarian work, commitment to helping the most vulnerable, and working towards peace inspire us and future generations.”
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., echoed Newsom and Padilla’s comments about Carter’s commitment to service.
“President Jimmy Carter leaves a legacy unlike any other. Ceaseless in his service, unbending in his dignity, and revered for his commitment to our common humanity. He fought the good fight and kept the faith — and now he has finished his race. May his memory be an inspiration.”
In a lengthy post on X, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, shared a photo of herself with the former president, who she said “embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness.”
“At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” the former House Speaker wrote. “He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
“As president,” Pelosi said, “his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service — leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.”
“Jimmy Carter was a great American who dedicated his life to creating a better, kinder, and more peaceful world,” said Rep. Ami Bera, D-Sacramento. “His unending service to others and tireless commitment to advancing democracy, human rights, and global health have left an indelible mark that will be felt for generations to come.”
“President Jimmy Carter was an extraordinary American and a beacon of light for democracy and human rights across the world,” said Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, in a statement. “His life represents what we strive to be as Americans — kind, charitable, and hard-working.”
Republican Rep. Mike Garcia of Santa Clarita called Carter’s death “a loss for our nation.”
“From his days as a midshipman at the Naval Academy to his service as our 39th President,” said Garcia, “he embodied leadership, honor, and compassion.”
State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire called Carter “an incredible public servant who led this nation, and his life, with integrity,” while Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas called him “a leader dedicated to peace, human rights, and public service. His legacy will forever inspire us.”
This story was originally published December 29, 2024 at 2:34 PM with the headline "California politicians react to President Jimmy Carter’s death: ‘A man of rare character’."
