SACRAMENT- California lawmakers expressed their condolences Sunday following the death of former President Jimmy Carter at age 100. He was remembered for the role he played in a post-Watergate world and for leaving behind one of the most impactful post-presidential legacies in history.
“Today, our nation and our world have lost a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and kindness,” said House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “Paul and I join in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter and giving thanks for his life, which was holy in its devotion to public service and peace.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said she would always remember his “kindness, wisdom and deep grace.”
“His life and legacy continue to inspire me and will inspire generations to come. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter,” he said in a statement.
Carter, the 39th president of the United States and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, ended his presidency on difficult terms after losing his re-election bid in 1980, but he forged a memorable post-presidency legacy, including service work public and leadership in an energy transition. through the creation of the Department of Energy.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Carter left his mark on the region through the work he did building low-income housing with Habitat for Humanity when Hahn was on the City Council. Together, she and Carter worked on a project that built 16 homes for low-income families in San Pedro.
Gov. Gavin Newsom called the late president “a man of uncommon character.”
“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,” Newsom said. “Despite enormous challenges and difficult times, his brilliant energy and spirit never wavered.”
Former California Governor Jerry Brown was Carter's presidential rival in 1976 and again in 1980 and campaigned vigorously against him. However, he told the San Francisco Chronicle that there was no ill will between them and that Carter had subsequently invited him to spend a night at the White House in the Lincoln Bedroom. The former governor praised Carter for being “conscientious” and said he had “a real sense of morality.”
Carter, remembered as “a champion of clean energy, a strong defender of democracy and a fundamentally decent person,” was also mourned by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who issued a statement Sunday.
“His lifelong commitment to service carried us through turbulent times,” he said, “and leaves a shining example of how to treat each other better.”
Sen. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) said Carter was “ceaseless in his service, uncompromising in his dignity, and revered for his commitment to our common humanity.”
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles mourned Carter's death and said she was “fortunate” to sit down and talk with the former president years ago.
“I appreciate the conversation we were able to have and am grateful for his wisdom and guidance,” she said. “I send my deepest condolences to the entire Carter family and their loved ones on this difficult day.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) said she was “sad” and that Carter inspired herself “and many others.”
President Biden was scheduled to deliver remarks on the late president's death Sunday night on CNN.
