Local politicians, residents react to Jimmy Carter’s death

GEORGIA – Georgia politicians, along with the Florida Democratic Party and Vice President Kamala Harris, reacted to the death of Jimmy Carter, the nation’s 39th president.

President Joe Biden also delivered a statement at a press conference about the former president’s passing at around 7:30 p.m.

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp posted on X about Carter’s roots in Georgia and his humanitarian efforts.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger released a statement that reads in part:

“As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world,” Raffensperger said.

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock talked about how Carter’s faith showed up in his work.

Around 8 p.m., Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan released a statement on Carter’s passing.

Godspeed to former President Jimmy Carter, a man who defined what it means to be a servant leader. His was a life well lived. I will never forget Sunday School with him at Marantha Baptist Church in 2019. His lessons of pursuing peace and acts of kindness ring just as true today.

Mayor Donna Deegan

The Florida Democratic Party released a statement mourning the loss of Carter.

Jimmy Carter was the living embodiment of Democratic values, but lived a life that truly transcended politics. From the beginning, he dared to dream of a New South — one that left segregation in the past and could see a future built on justice, fairness, and equality. His dedication to those principles carried him from his peanut farm in Plains to the Governor’s mansion in Atlanta and onward to the White House, where he often put aside what was politically advantageous to do what he felt was right for the American people.

Florida Democratic Party

Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement on Carter’s death, saying, “Our world is a better place because of President Carter. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come.”

News4JAX also spoke to Jaguars fans outside of EverBank Stadium when news about Carter’s passing was delivered.

“It is very sad. I pay for his family and his friends,” said Latoya Faulkner.

Kim and Keith Courtright said they grew up in the 70s and Jimmy Carter played a huge role in their lives.

“Such a huge part of life so when we saw it on TV, it was like oh my gosh...He lived a full wonderful life and did amazing things, and we have to celebrate him,” Kim said.

Jacksonville resident Mike Hightower, Jimmy Carter’s former campaign manager, also spoke to News4JAX about how he first met the former president.

“I was a delegate to the mid-term conference in 1974, 50 years ago this month,” Hightower said. “Seven doors were going into this ballroom. I picked door A. When they opened the door, I met a guy who said, ‘My name is Jimmy Carter and I’m running for president,' and I said, ‘Hello, My name is Mike Hightower and I’m the new secretary of the Democratic Party.‘”

He continued, “We talked for 20 minutes. I came over to my wife and said, ‘I met the man I’m going to work for who is running for president,‘ and she said ’Jimmy Who?' which became part of the legacy.”