Democratic presidential candidates paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens on Twitter after the top court announced Tuesday evening he had died at the age of 99.

Stevens was a prominent liberal on the court during his time serving — from 1975 until he retired in 2010 — playing key roles in decisions to protect civil rights, abortion access and the environment.

Stevens served as an intelligence officer during World War II prior to his career as a judge, breaking Japanese radio codes and ultimately earning a Bronze Star.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Justice Stevens was a decent, honorable man who served our country well. He understood that the most important thing about being on the Court is treating people with dignity and respect. I was honored to have known him. @DrBiden and I are sending our prayers to his family,” former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Fox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio MORE tweeted Wednesday.

Justice Stevens was a decent, honorable man who served our country well. He understood that the most important thing about being on the Court is treating people with dignity and respect. I was honored to have known him. @DrBiden and I are sending our prayers to his family. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 17, 2019

“From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law,” Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHundreds of lawyers from nation's oldest African American sorority join effort to fight voter suppression Biden picks up endorsement from progressive climate group 350 Action 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-Calif.) said. “Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss.”

From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law. Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss. — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 17, 2019

"Justice Stevens was a judicial giant, a son of the Midwest who became one of the most influential jurists on the Court. His reverence for the law—and appreciation for how its practice must evolve to strengthen our democracy—inspires us all. My thoughts are with his family," South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE tweeted.

Justice Stevens was a judicial giant, a son of the Midwest who became one of the most influential jurists on the Court. His reverence for the law—and appreciation for how its practice must evolve to strengthen our democracy—inspires us all. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/9fmF06Jwhi — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 17, 2019

“John Paul Stevens served with integrity and honor on the Supreme Court for over 3 decades. He was a dedicated public servant who put the law and the Constitution ahead of politics. Saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony Booker3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Bipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death DHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility MORE (D-N.J.) echoed.

John Paul Stevens served with integrity and honor on the Supreme Court for over 3 decades. He was a dedicated public servant who put the law and the Constitution ahead of politics. Saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/tNJJyqAx8O — Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 17, 2019

“Justice Stevens was a reminder of what the best of America looks like. His voice and his love of this nation will be dearly missed,” former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper John HickenlooperThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cook Political Report shifts Colorado Senate race toward Democrat Willie Nelson playing at virtual fundraiser for Hickenlooper MORE tweeted.

Justice Stevens was a reminder of what the best of America looks like. His voice and his love of this nation will be dearly missed.https://t.co/XsBxTvnFeN pic.twitter.com/r9aZptWHze — John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) July 17, 2019

Several lawmakers also paid tribute to the late Supreme Court justice.

Stevens is survived by two daughters, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.