Congressman Dwight Evans will not run for reelection next year, setting up the potential for a competitive Democratic primary to fill his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Evans, 71, announced his decision Monday, a little over a year after suffering a stroke, and committed to serving out his term, which officially ends Jan. 3, 2027.
“I remain in good health and fully capable of continuing to serve,” he said in a statement. “After some discussions this weekend and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026.”
He has represented the 3rd Congressional District since 2016. The area covers large swaths of Northwest, West and North Philadelphia, as well as parts of Center City, and is considered one of the safest districts for Democrats in the nation.
A June 20th Inquirer report named state Sen. Sharif Street, state Rep. Morgan Cephas and state Rep. Chris Rabb as potential contenders. At the time, Evans was still intending to run for another two-year term. Following Monday’s announcement, Congressional hopefuls will likely more willing to jump into the race, given the rare opportunity to run for a U.S. House seat without an incumbent.
Evans was absent from the Capitol for much of last year following a stroke in May, which he described as “minor.” He missed 63% of House votes taken in 2024, and his participation rate was among the lowest in Congress, according to Roll Call.
His office noted that, more recently, Evans opposed President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” during a nearly 18-hour committee hearing and voted against it as two Republicans slept, “including one 31 years younger than Evans.”
Prior to his time in Washington D.C., Evans spent 36 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was the first Black chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a powerful role that helps guide the state budget process.
“Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life,” he said. “I am deeply proud of what I have been able to accomplish over my 45 years in elected office – from revitalizing neighborhoods block by block to fighting for justice, economic opportunity, investments in infrastructure and education.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro served alongside Evans in the state House and described him as “a friend for more than 20 years.”
“Dwight believed in me long before others did and gave me opportunities to rise in leadership and learn from his legislative skill,” the governor wrote in a social media post Monday.
“Dwight’s been a tireless fighter for his community during his work in both Harrisburg and Washington – bringing economic development and opportunity to his districts that’s evidenced by the transformational change on Ogontz Avenue and the growth throughout Philadelphia,” Shapiro continued.
