Dwight Evans (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dwight Evans
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania |
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| Assumed office November 14, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Chaka Fattah |
| Constituency | 2nd district (2016–2019) 3rd district (2019–present) |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 203rd district |
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| In office January 4, 1981 – November 14, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | James Jones |
| Succeeded by | Isabella Fitzgerald |
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| Born | May 16, 1954 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Community College of Philadelphia La Salle University (BA) |
Dwight Evans (born May 16, 1954) is an American politician. He has served as a U.S. representative for Pennsylvania since 2016. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before joining Congress, he worked in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for over 35 years. There, he represented the 203rd district.
Evans won against the previous representative, Chaka Fattah, in the Democratic primary election. He then won a special election on November 8, 2016. This happened after Fattah left Congress due to certain issues. The district he represents changed its name to Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district in 2019. It includes parts of Philadelphia, like Center City, West, and Northwest areas.
Contents
About Dwight Evans
Early Life and Education
Dwight Evans grew up in Philadelphia, in the neighborhoods of Germantown and West Oak Lane. He went to the Community College of Philadelphia and La Salle University. After finishing college, he became a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. He also worked as a community activist for the Urban League.
Health Update
In May 2024, Evans shared that he had a minor stroke. He took some time away from Congress to recover. He plans to return to Washington in January.
Dwight Evans's Political Journey
Starting in the Pennsylvania House
Evans was first elected to public office in 1980. His district in Philadelphia was mostly Democratic. He was reelected 12 times, facing little opposition.
In 1990, Evans became the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. This committee helps decide how state money is spent. He held this important role until 2010. In 2010, the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper recognized him as one of the 10 most influential African-Americans in Philadelphia.
Running for Higher Office
Before he was elected to Congress, Evans ran for other high-level positions four times. In 1986, he tried to become lieutenant governor but did not win the primary election.
In 1994, Evans made history as the first African American to run for governor of Pennsylvania. He received support from major newspapers. He finished second in the primary election.
Evans also ran for mayor of Philadelphia twice. In 1999 and 2007, he finished fifth in the primary elections.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
How He Was Elected
In 2015, Evans announced he would run for Congress. He challenged the sitting representative, Chaka Fattah. In April 2016, Evans won the Democratic nomination. This was a big win because his district is very Democratic. Fattah later resigned from Congress.
Evans ran in two elections on November 8, 2016. He won both: a special election to finish Fattah's term and a regular election for a full two-year term. He was sworn in on November 14. This gave him more seniority than other new members of Congress elected that year. His district has been represented by Democrats since 1949.
Later Elections
Before the 2018 elections, the district boundaries were redrawn. Evans's district became the 3rd district. It remained strongly Democratic. Evans easily won his second full term. He was reelected again in 2020 and 2022. In 2024, he won the Democratic primary and ran unopposed in the general election.
What He Does in Congress
In August 2017, Evans and another representative suggested a law to ban Confederate monuments on federal land. This happened after events in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Evans is part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This group focuses on progressive policies. He is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. This group works to address issues affecting African Americans.
Committees and Groups
Evans serves on important committees in the House of Representatives:
- Committee on Ways and Means: This committee deals with taxes and other government income.
- Committee on Small Business: This committee helps small businesses.
He is also part of these groups:
Dwight Evans's Views on Issues
Evans often votes with President Joe Biden's positions.
Protecting the Environment
Evans has a strong record on environmental issues. In 2018, he received a 100% rating from the Clean Water Action group. In 2021, he also scored 100% on the League of Conservation Voters' environmental scorecard.
Health Care Access
Evans supports bills that would create public health insurance options. These options would make health care more accessible for people.
Affordable Housing
In 2021, Evans announced a plan called "Housing Is Essential." This plan aims to provide more affordable housing options.
Impeachment of Donald Trump
Evans was an early supporter of impeaching President Donald Trump. He voted for impeachment resolutions in both 2019 and 2021.
Improving Infrastructure
Evans voted for President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill. This law includes money for projects like roads and bridges. He helped lead an initiative to reconnect communities through infrastructure.
International Relations
Evans voted to provide support to Israel after an attack in 2023. In 2022, the Russian government placed sanctions on Evans. This was because he supported aid to Ukraine.
Images for kids
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Evans speaking during his 2007 mayoral campaign
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Evans being sworn in by Speaker Paul Ryan
See also
