Texas leaders react to Jimmy Carter's death
Jimmy Carter, the philanthropist, humanitarian and 39th president of the United States, died on Sunday.
Texas leaders reacted to the news.
George W. Bush
WASHINGTON, : US President George W. Bush (R) welcomes Former US President Jimmy Carter, winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize to the Oval Office 18 November, 2002 the White House in Washington, DC. Carter, this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, called
"Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family. James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.
"We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family."
Gov. Greg Abbott
"Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many. Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Carter family."
Sen. John Cornyn
"As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor. His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time."
Sen. Ted Cruz
"Heidi and I are saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter. At age 100, President Carter was the oldest former president in history, and he left a legacy of honorable military and public service. His decades-long dedication to building homes for those in need was truly remarkable. Our hearts and prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult time. We pray for peace and comfort for his loved ones as they mourn his loss, and take solace in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn."
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s daughters
"An extraordinary human being and an unforgettable peacemaker, Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to others. As a military officer, as a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, and through his work at The Carter Center to eliminate disease and promote democracy, Jimmy Carter was the embodiment of integrity, a champion of human rights, and an inspiration to us all. God bless this 'good and faithful servant.' " - Lynda Johnson Robb
"President Jimmy Carter was a man of great faith and works who taught us the joy and rewards of giving. He set the standard for being a servant leader and a devoted husband of over 70 years. He was my treasured friend and mentor for over 40 years. Any good that I will ever do will always be inspired by his example. He had so much to be proud of, as America should be proud of him." - Luci Baines Johnson
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a statesman in the truest sense, with his greatest gifts to this country and the world coming after his term. He found his true calling not as a public official, but as a private citizen, where he continued the mission he started in the White House to bring peace, dignity, love, and justice to every corner of the earth.
"As City Controller of Houston, I had the honor of traveling with President Carter as part of the official U.S. delegation to return the Panama Canal to the people of Panama. On that trip, I saw firsthand that man he was: a champion of human rights, democracy, international partnership, and prosperity for the poor. He proved that doing the right thing pays off in the end and that peace must always be our goal. In later years, he won the Nobel Prize as his foundation, the Carter Center, played a key role in rooting out deadly parasites and dictatorships across the globe.
"His passion for service to others continued by building homes with Habitat for Humanity, understanding the security and stability a home provides. With his decision to enter hospice care, he showed us that the end of our lives can be gentler and fuller, sparking many family discussions across the country on this profound subject.
"President Carter and his wife Rosalynn, his thought partner for decades, embodied the teachings of Jesus, focusing on justice and love. Our world is kinder, safer, and humbler because of his leadership. My prayers are with the Carter family, their community of Plains, and all those around the world who mourn his passing but find hope in his legacy as he is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn Carter in heaven."
Texas Rep. Vikki Goodwin
Texas Rep. Mihaela Plesa
Texas Rep. Chris Turner
Texas Rep. Matt Shaheen
National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation
The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas released a statement.
"From his time in the United States Navy to the White House to his post-presidency work advancing democracy and public health around the world, President Carter lived a life of service. I am grateful that his kindness extended to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which he graciously supported as an Honorary Director. He understood the importance of the Medal, remarking while presenting the award to Lt. Col. Matt Urban, ‘We need heroes not just for the victories they make possible on the battlefield, but in later days to remind us of what America, at its best, can be.’ All of us at the NMOHMF send our condolences to his loved ones and pledge to follow his example of giving back to others."
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones
Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa
"President Jimmy Carter will remain one of the greatest American leaders to ever live.
His honesty, his kindness, and his faith, inspired thousands here in the US, and around the world. But President Carter’s compassion and desire to serve others were not limited to his time in the Oval Office.
"From his decades spent volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to establishing the Carter Center to strengthen democracy and human rights around the world, President Carter became a stout advocate for conservation, human rights, world peace and diplomacy, and perhaps most famously, for affordable and decent housing.
"The Texas Democratic Party offers our deepest condolences to the Carter family and loved ones. President Carter’s legacy will continue to serve as guiding beacons for generations to come."