Former President Jimmy Carter discusses his cancer diagnosis at the Carter Center Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, in Atlanta. 

Oregon politicians paid tribute to Jimmy Carter in the wake of the 39th president’s death on Sunday.

Gov. Tina Kotek, in a statement announcing her order that flags be lowered to half-staff at Oregon government buildings, said she “deeply admired” the former president. “He exemplified optimism, an unshakable faith in the human spirit, and resolve to end suffering in his country and across the world.”

Carter, who died at 100 years old, was known as much for the work he did after leaving the White House as for his one-term presidency. Soon after losing his reelection bid in 1980, Carter founded The Carter Center, which devoted itself to promoting democracy, peace and public health as well as pushing for human rights. In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Both of Oregon’s U.S. senators praised Carter’s life and work.

“My heart is with Jimmy Carter’s loved ones and family,” Sen. Jeff Merkley wrote in a post on X. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy — of humanitarian work, fighting for civil rights, working to put a roof over everyone’s head and pursuing climate solutions — his impact is profound.”

“President Carter embodied what it means to be a public servant in both elected office and in his personal life by working to make our country and world a more peaceful, humane and democratic place,” Sen. Ron Wyden wrote on X. “May he now rest in peace with our gratitude for his service.”

Some of Oregon’s representatives in Congress also commemorated Carter’s long, impactful life.

“President Jimmy Carter led a life full of service, leaving a lasting legacy through his humanitarian work — touching the lives of countless Americans and people around the world,” Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat representing the Sixth District, wrote on X.

Rep. Val Hoyle said in an email that, as a child, she helped her parents campaign for Carter in 1976, when the former Georgia governor defeated President Gerald Ford for the presidency.

“What I loved about Jimmy Carter is that he lived his values and dedicated his life to public service right until the end,” Hoyle wrote. “His is a life to be celebrated and one to aspire to.”