Bay Area and California political leaders and President Joe Biden weighed in on the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday in Plains, Georgia at the age of 100.
Carter’s post-presidential time included trips to the Bay Area, such as in 2013 when he helped build homes in San Jose and Oakland with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued a statement honoring the former president.
“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” the Bidens said.
“Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.”
The statement continued, “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statement with his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
“Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place.
“President Carter was a man of rare character — 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.”
Our world is a better place because of his actions.
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia
California Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, said on social media, “Jimmy Carter was an incredible public servant who led this nation, and his life, with integrity. Rest peacefully, Mr. President.”
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, posted on social media, “Jimmy Carter was a great American who cared so deeply for this country & for the world. He continued his public service for the rest of his life after leaving office, showing his love for all people everywhere.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your lifetime of service. Rest in peace,” Wiener said.
First: Catherine Stihler (floral dress) CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Monterey Bay, celebrates the 100th birthday of President Jimmy Carter with staff and volunteers on Oct. 1, 2024. Last: A cake bearing the image of President Jimmy Carter was lit by staff and volunteers (Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay via Bay City News Service)
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia gave a heartfelt tribute.
“President Carter led a life true to the motto of The Carter Center — waging peace, fighting disease and building hope. He demonstrated that you don’t have to hold elective office to have a significant positive impact on your community and the world. His biggest contributions occurred after he left the Presidency,” Gioia said. “Our world is a better place because of his actions.”
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