(born 1924), 39th president of the US 1977–81; full name James Earl Carter, Jr. A Georgia Democrat, he served as a state senator 1962–66 and as governor 1971–74. As president, he hosted the talks that led to the Camp David agreements of 1978. The accomplishments of his administration were marred by the crisis caused by the seizure of 52 American hostages in Iran in 1979. After losing a bid for re-election, Carter remained politically active in world affairs, dedicated to the causes of peace and human rights. Nobel Peace Prize (2002).