Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement:

Today, we mourn the loss of a great man, role model and humanitarian in President Jimmy Carter. From a peanut farmer to President of the United States, his incredible life, legacy and leadership are a testament to the power of the American dream.

More than most anyone in modern political history, President and Rosalynn Carter embodied the spirit of James 2:14-17, that faith without works is dead. President Carter’s faith guided him to be a powerful voice for peace everywhere. Whether as a Sunday school teacher, or a champion for human rights on the global stage, President Carter lived out his belief that all people are equal in the eyes of God. 

In the 40 years since he left the Oval Office, President Carter dedicated countless hours to serving our world’s most vulnerable populations. As an elections monitor, he strengthened democracy around the globe and as a prolific volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, he helped build over 4,000 homes on four continents. 

His life’s commitment to humility, kindness and service to others will continue to be a North star for future generations of public servants. President Carter will be deeply missed by all, though we can be heartened that he and his beloved Rosalynn are once again reunited. May their lifelong love and faith be a small comfort to President Carter’s family and all those who loved him.

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