When people talk about the Carters, they usually start with the peanuts. Or the habitat houses. But honestly, if you've been following the news lately, the story has shifted into something way more personal and, frankly, a bit more somber than just a political retrospective. We're looking at a family that basically redefined what it means to "retire" from the world stage, and now, as we move through 2026, the mantle has fully shifted.
The relationship between Jimmy Carter and Jason Carter isn't just about a famous grandfather and a grandson who looks a whole lot like him. It’s a literal baton pass that happened while the world was watching.
The passing of a giant
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024. He was 100 years old. Think about that for a second. The man lived through the Great Depression, the Cold War, and saw the invention of the internet, all while maintaining a home in Plains, Georgia, that probably hasn't changed its wallpaper since the 70s.
He was in hospice for what felt like forever—nearly two years. People kept saying "any day now," and Jimmy just kept eating his peanut butter ice cream and watching the Braves. It was Jason Carter who became the face of those updates. He was the one telling us that his "Papa" was physically "diminished" but still "emotionally engaged."
Jason didn't just give medical updates; he gave us a glimpse into a man who wanted to stay alive long enough to vote in the 2024 election. And he did. That’s the kind of stubbornness that runs in the Carter bloodline.
Why Jason isn't running in 2026
For a long time, everyone in Georgia—and a lot of people nationally—assumed Jason Carter was the heir apparent to the state's governorship. He ran back in 2014 and lost, but the momentum was there for a 2026 comeback.
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But then life hit hard.
In April 2025, Jason made a heartbreaking announcement. He wasn't going to run for Governor of Georgia in 2026. The reason? His wife, Kate, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. If you know anything about that specific type of brain cancer, you know it’s aggressive. It’s the same thing that took Beau Biden and John McCain.
Jason basically said, "I can't imagine making a decision to run because it's the wrong time for my family."
It was a total "Jimmy" move. Choosing family and private integrity over public power. Instead of campaigning, Jason has been focusing on his law practice at Bondurant Mixson & Elmore and, more importantly, leading the Board of Trustees at the Carter Center.
Carrying the Carter Center forward
You can’t talk about Jimmy Carter and Jason Carter without talking about "The Center." This isn't just some dusty library. It’s a massive global operation that does the "unsexy" work. We're talking about trying to eradicate Guinea worm disease—a goal Jimmy was obsessed with—and monitoring elections in places where people literally risk their lives to vote.
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Jason took over as Chairman of the Board back in 2015, but 2026 is his first full year leading the organization without his grandfather's physical presence in Plains to offer advice.
- Human Rights: They are still the gold standard for election monitoring.
- Health Initiatives: They've nearly wiped out Guinea worm. When they started, there were millions of cases; now, it's down to a handful.
- Mental Health: They are continuing the work Rosalynn Carter started, which is often the forgotten part of the legacy.
Honestly, the transition has been surprisingly seamless. Usually, when a "founder" dies, these non-profits struggle for a bit. But because Jason has been "the guy" since 2015, the Carter Center is actually expanding its domestic work, looking at how to protect democracy right here in the U.S., not just abroad.
What people get wrong about the "Carter Legacy"
A lot of folks think Jimmy Carter was a "failed president" who became a "great former president." Jason has spent a lot of his life pushing back on that. He argues that his grandfather's focus on human rights in the late 70s actually laid the groundwork for the end of the Cold War.
Whether you agree with that or not, you have to admit that the way Jimmy Carter and Jason Carter have handled fame is weirdly refreshing. There are no scandals. No "tell-all" books trashing the family. Just a lot of work in small villages in Mali and legal briefs in Atlanta.
The current state of things in 2026
So, where does that leave us today?
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Jimmy is buried in Plains, right by the house he lived in for decades. Jason is in Atlanta, navigating the impossible balance of being a caregiver for his wife while running an international NGO.
He's also stayed active in Georgia politics, even if he's not on the ballot. He recently endorsed Jason Esteves for the 2026 governor's race. It’s a "new generation of leadership" thing, according to him. It’s clear he’s still the "kingmaker" for Georgia Democrats, even if he's not wearing the crown himself.
Actionable insights for those following the family
If you're looking to support the causes that Jimmy Carter and Jason Carter have spent their lives on, here is how you actually do it without just "sending thoughts and prayers":
- Don't just donate, read: The Carter Center’s annual reports are actually fascinating. They break down exactly where the money goes in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
- Support Caregivers: Given Kate Carter’s battle with glioblastoma, the family has become a quiet advocate for brain cancer research. Organizations like the National Brain Tumor Society are at the forefront of this.
- Local Democracy: Jason’s big thing right now is "boots and roots." He believes change happens locally. If you want to honor the legacy, start with your local election board.
The story of the Carters isn't over just because Jimmy is gone. It’s just moved into a new, more complicated chapter. It’s about how a family handles grief and responsibility at the same time. And honestly? They’re doing a pretty good job of it.