Introduction
Margaret Alicia Carter may not be a household name, but she carries a quiet weight of history. As the granddaughter of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Margaret belongs to one of the most respected American political families of the 20th and 21st centuries. While she lives away from the public spotlight, her position in the Carter lineage places her within a uniquely American legacy of diplomacy, humanitarianism, and integrity. This article explores Margaret’s background, family ties, and legacy.
Quick Facts Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margaret Alicia Carter |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Parents | James Earl “Chip” Carter III and Ginger Hodges |
| Grandparents | President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter |
| Half-Sibling | James Earl Carter IV |
| Spouse | Harold Edward Carter |
| Children | Alicia Carter (b. 2009) |
| Known For | Granddaughter of President Jimmy Carter |
| Public Role | Private individual, not in politics (Instagram) |
Who Is Margaret Alicia Carter?
Margaret Alicia Carter is the daughter of James Earl “Chip” Carter III, the second son of President Jimmy Carter, and Ginger Hodges, Chip’s second wife. She was born on September 23, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia. While she remains largely private, Margaret is a key member of the Carter family’s third generation, a lineage known for its deep-rooted service to community and country.
The Carter Family Lineage
The Carter family is often cited as one of the most principled and humanitarian-focused American presidential families. Known for their deep Southern roots, Christian values, and civic contributions, the Carters represent a model of quiet leadership and enduring relevance.
- Jimmy Carter served as the 39th U.S. President (1977–1981) and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
- Rosalynn Carter was an advocate for mental health and an active policy influencer during her husband’s administration.
- The family founded The Carter Center, advancing human rights, global health, and peacekeeping.
Early Life and Family Environment
Growing up in Georgia, Margaret was raised with an emphasis on humility, faith, and service values that permeate the Carter family ethos. Her childhood was influenced by both her immediate family’s day-to-day life and her grandfather’s post-presidential humanitarian work.
She reportedly grew up surrounded by extended family members who remained closely connected to one another and to their hometown of Plains, Georgia, the symbolic heart of the Carter legacy.
Parents: Chip Carter and Ginger Hodges
Margaret’s father, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, was born on April 12, 1950, in Honolulu, Hawaii, while Jimmy Carter was serving in the U.S. Navy. Chip has held roles within the Democratic National Committee and served on the Plains City Council, among other civic involvements.
He was first married to Caron Griffin, with whom he had a son James Earl Carter IV. Following their divorce in 1980, Chip married Ginger Hodges, and the couple welcomed Margaret Alicia Carter in 1987.
Her mother, Ginger, has remained outside of public scrutiny, suggesting the family prioritized privacy and normalcy for Margaret during her upbringing.
Siblings and Extended Family
Margaret has one known half-brother, James Earl Carter IV, born in 1977. He is a political researcher who played a notable role during the 2012 U.S. presidential election by uncovering the controversial “47%” video of Mitt Romney.
Margaret’s extended family includes:
- Jason Carter (cousin): Former Georgia State Senator and 2014 gubernatorial candidate
- Hugo Wentzel (cousin): Known for appearances on Claim to Fame, a reality TV series
- Chip, Jeff, and Donnel Carter: Her father and uncles, all of whom have had various roles in public service and nonprofit work
Marriage and Children
Margaret Alicia Carter is married to Harold Edward Carter. Together, they have one daughter:
- Alicia Carter, born September 19, 2009
The family has deliberately remained out of the spotlight, indicating a conscious decision to avoid public exposure and provide their daughter with a private upbringing.
Public Role and Personal Values
Unlike some of her more visible relatives, Margaret has not taken on political or public-facing roles. There are no verified records of her occupation or public career. This quiet presence aligns with many of the Carter descendants who have chosen to honor their legacy through private integrity rather than public roles.
Her values are reflected in:
- A commitment to privacy
- Protection of family boundaries
- Upholding the Carter name without spectacle
She represents a generation that inherits influence without seeking fame a meaningful form of legacy stewardship.
Cultural Impact of the Carter Family
The broader Carter family impact includes:
| Area of Influence | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Politics | Jimmy Carter’s presidency, Jason Carter’s political career |
| Humanitarianism | The Carter Center’s global work in health and peace |
| Mental Health Advocacy | Rosalynn Carter’s lifelong mission |
| Media & Public Research | James Carter IV’s political influence |
| Cultural Legacy | Intergenerational moral leadership rooted in civic duty |
Margaret Alicia Carter contributes to this legacy not by stepping into the spotlight, but by preserving the dignity and values of her family in everyday life.
FAQs About Margaret Alicia Carter
Is Margaret Alicia Carter related to Jimmy Carter?
Yes, she is his granddaughter through his son, James “Chip” Carter.
What is known about her early life?
She was raised in Georgia, primarily outside of the media spotlight, in a family known for service and humility.
Is she involved in politics?
There is no public record of Margaret being involved in political or public-facing roles.
Who is her spouse?
Margaret is married to Harold Edward Carter.
Does she have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, Alicia Carter, born in 2009.
Final Thoughts
Margaret Alicia Carter embodies the quiet resilience of a family rooted in ethical leadership, national service, and global impact. While she may not appear in headlines, her place in the Carter legacy is both real and relevant.
In a digital world that often values fame over substance, Margaret represents a model of legacy built on character, heritage, and the grace of privacy.
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