A portrait of President Jimmy Carter hangs in the Georgia Capitol. Carter was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
Florida political leaders remembered former President Jimmy Carter for his faith, servant-centered lifestyle, and charitable work following the centenarian’s death Sunday.
The president from Plains, Georgia, died less than three months after turning 100 and nearly 44 years after leaving the White House. The Nobel Peace Prize winner stayed involved as a humanitarian, author, and volunteer after leaving office.
Both U.S. senators from Florida nodded to Carter’s public service in social media tributes.
Through his decades of public service & charitable work, President Carter devoted his entire life to serving others.
Please join Ann & me in praying for the Carter family, their friends & all who worked alongside the former president.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 29, 2024
President Carter lived a life of service that extended well beyond his presidency. He was a servant leader who felt called to action. As we reflect on his life, I hope we can channel his faith to better our communities and our nation. Jeanette and I have President Carter’s family…
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 30, 2024
Attorney General Ashley Moody highlighted the former president’s attention to those less fortunate.
President Jimmy Carter will be remembered as a devout Christian, loving husband and selfless public servant. After leaving the White House, President Carter and his late wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, spent decades serving the poor and less fortunate.
Their legacy of service…
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) December 29, 2024
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis took to X to say that Carter “had a devotion to God that is the kind of thing our society needs.”
Senate President Ben Albritton shared his condolences, too.
Missy and I are praying for the Carter family during this sad time. Regardless of political philosophy, the life of service he led was a high water mark for everyone. He was man of great faith, and we take comfort knowing he is with the Lord and reunited with his beloved wife.
— Ben Albritton (@Sen_Albritton) December 30, 2024
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried remembered Carter by recalling the former president welcoming Cuban refugees to Miami in 1980.
“President Jimmy Carter was a giant, and his influence on Florida won’t be forgotten. In 1980 as Cubans faced a humanitarian crisis under Fidel Castro’s communist dictatorship, President Carter welcomed Mariel refugees to Miami,” Fried posted to X, linking to a Miami Herald opinion column expressing gratitude from Cubans who fled to Miami during Carter’s presidency.
Carter flipped Florida blue in 1976, beating Gerald Ford by more than 5%, although he lost the Sunshine State by more than 17% in 1980 when he ran against Ronald Reagan.
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Extending sympathies
President Carter truly exemplified the best of our nation and showed that love for public service and love of country lasts a lifetime. My heart is with the Carter family at this moment.
— Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) December 29, 2024
Jimmy Carter led a life of public service & charitable work.
A graduate of @NavalAcademy, he served as a @USNavy Lieutenant, a GA State Senator, Governor of GA, & President of the United States.
Erika & I pray for the strength of the Carter family. May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/ffr9oSmW8F
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) December 29, 2024
My heartfelt prayers are with the family of former President Jimmy Carter.
He was an extraordinary leader and a man of unwavering principle. He was kind and compassionate, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/aKQjPu4EEc
— Rep. Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) December 29, 2024
House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell posted to X, “Rest in power, President Carter.”
Former Gov. Jeb Bush sent his condolences, too.
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