CHICAGO – Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, will speak at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday on behalf of his grandfather, who has told his family he hopes to stay alive long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The younger Carter told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he will give a speech about his grandfather’s legacy on the second day of the convention. Other speakers that night include former President Barack Obama, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff.
A former state senator, Jason Carter has emerged as an heir to his family’s political legacy. He captured the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014, losing to Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, and now chairs the Carter Center human rights group his grandfather founded.
He also is comfortable on the national stage, with a resume that includes giving a memorable eulogy at his grandmother Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in November 2023.
Jimmy Carter, who entered hospice care in February 2023, is set to celebrate his 100th birthday on Oct. 1. Jason Carter told the AJC his grandfather recently told relatives he’s more interested in voting for Harris than reaching the milestone.
“I’m only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris,” the former president told his son Chip, according to Jason Carter.
The former president wouldn’t have to wait long after his birthday to cast his ballot. Georgia’s three-week early voting period for the presidential election begins on Oct. 15.
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