Former President Jimmy Carter died Dec. 29 at age 100.
Several New Mexico leaders issued statements in the wake of Carter’s death, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
“[First Gentleman] Manny [Cordova] and I were saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, and today we mourn the loss of this great American leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to helping others,” Lujan Grisham said in a news release. “President Carter served nobly in the White House and fought valiantly for environmental protections, civil rights, stronger U.S. alliances in Europe and much more. He also managed to accomplish what many at the time believed impossible—a major peace agreement between Egypt and Israel… President Carter possessed deep convictions, visionary ideas and a tireless work ethic, and our country is a much better place because of his service. His selfless leadership will shine as an example to other public servants for generations to come.”
Sen. Martin Heinrich also issued a statement about Carter.
“Jimmy Carter devoted his life to serving others, seeking peace, and improving the world around him,” Heinrich said. “From creating the Department of Energy to protecting our rivers and wildlands in New Mexico, Alaska, and elsewhere, President Carter’s legacy was forward-looking, thoughtful, and visionary. Above everything, he stood tall for working people, never relenting in the fight for a better economic future for all. At a time of great polarization and partisan divide in our nation, I hope each of us can draw from President Carter’s constant example of compassion, humility, and decency.”
Carter was the 39th president, serving from 1977 to 1981. Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development,” according to the Nobel Prize website.
Carter was known for his humanitarian efforts, which included building houses for Habitat for Humanity and his work establishing the Carter Center.
Lujan Grisham ordered flags be flown at half-staff on all state government buildings until Jan. 28.