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Texans Reflect on Jimmy Carter, the Last Democrat to Win the State’s Presidential Election

As Texans mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, many remember him as a compassionate and principled leader. Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100, remains the last Democrat to carry Texas in a presidential election—a feat he achieved in 1976.

The peanut farmer turned president left behind a legacy of humanitarian work and public service, continuing his philanthropic efforts well into his nineties. His time in office and subsequent contributions to global peace, education, and public health are fondly recalled by those who worked alongside him in the Lone Star State.

A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion

Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s rise to political prominence was far from traditional. After serving in the Navy, he took over his family’s peanut farm and later entered politics, eventually becoming Georgia’s governor. But it was his presidential campaign in 1976 that would forever mark his place in Texas history.

As Carter’s state coordinator for the 1976 Democratic primary, John Pouland remembers a man who embodied integrity and humility. “He’s exactly the kind of human being that needs to be president,” Pouland said after hearing about Carter’s hospice care. “He lived the life that he felt was the right way to live as a Christian.”

Texas played a pivotal role in Carter’s narrow victory over Republican Gerald Ford in 1976, awarding him 26 electoral votes and securing the presidency. Carter’s defeat of Ford marked a turning point in the political landscape of Texas, a state that had long been a Republican stronghold.

A Visit to Brownsville and the 1980 Election Defeat

Carter’s connection to Texas remained strong throughout his presidency. Notably, in the closing days of the 1980 election, Carter became the first sitting president to visit Brownsville, Texas, making a campaign stop in the city during a critical moment in the race. The visit saw Carter praising the region’s agriculture and his administration’s work on education, even boasting about his record on appointing Hispanic Americans to senior government positions.

Jimmy Carter Texas memorial

However, despite Carter’s efforts, the 1980 election would turn into a landslide defeat at the hands of Republican challenger Ronald Reagan. Carter’s loss in Texas by nearly 14 percentage points marked the beginning of a long losing streak for Democratic nominees in the state. His 1980 defeat was a testament to the changing political tides of Texas, a state that would go on to favor Republicans for the next 10 presidential elections.

A Potential Influence from Texas Political Figures

Two Texans—former Governor John B. Connally Jr. and former Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes—may have played a significant role in Carter’s loss. Connally, who had run for the Republican nomination in 1980 before backing Reagan, was deeply involved in a controversial international maneuver. Along with Barnes, Connally traveled to the Middle East, where he allegedly suggested to leaders there that they should hold off on releasing American hostages in Iran until after the election.

Barnes, who remained silent about the trip for decades, revealed the details to the New York Times after Carter entered hospice care. The revelation shed light on the ways in which the political landscape was being shaped behind the scenes. Connally’s attempt to sway Middle Eastern leaders added to the ongoing tensions of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, which had already deeply eroded Carter’s public support.

Connally reportedly told the leaders, “‘Look, Ronald Reagan’s going to be elected president, and you need to get the word to Iran that they’re going to make a better deal with Reagan than they are with Carter.’” It was a striking admission that highlighted the level of political maneuvering taking place during the campaign.

The Iranian Hostage Crisis was a defining moment of Carter’s presidency. As American hostages were held for 444 days, the public grew increasingly frustrated with Carter’s handling of the situation. His approval ratings plummeted, and Reagan ultimately emerged as the favored candidate. The actions of Connally and Barnes, though never fully acknowledged at the time, seemed to add fuel to Carter’s electoral defeat.

Carter’s Philanthropy and Lasting Impact

After leaving office, Carter did not fade into political obscurity. In fact, he spent the next several decades working tirelessly for humanitarian causes. As the founder of the Carter Center, he focused on public health initiatives, election monitoring, and efforts to promote peace around the world. His commitment to global health, particularly in eradicating diseases like Guinea worm disease, earned him widespread admiration.

Even after a single term, Carter’s influence remained strong. His advocacy for human rights and social justice, coupled with his relentless focus on charitable work, endeared him to people across the globe. In Texas, many remembered him not just as the president who once carried the state, but as a man whose character and deeds resonated far beyond politics.

As Carter passed away at the age of 100, his impact continues to be felt by those who worked with him and those who admired his work. In Texas, his memory will forever be tied to the moment when a Democrat last captured the state in a presidential race—an achievement that seems even more distant with each passing election cycle.

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