Rep Of Country’s Most Dem District Announces Retirement

Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. Dwight Evans announced Monday that he is not seeking reelection in 2026.

Evans wrote in a statement announcing his retirement that he is “deeply proud” of what he has been able to accomplish during his time in office. The Pennsylvania Democrat, who has represented the Philadelphia-based seat since 2016 and served as a state-level lawmaker for the previous 35 years, added that he remains “in good health” and plans to serve out the rest of his term in Congress.

“Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life,” Evans said in the statement. “And I remain in good health and fully capable of continuing to serve. 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. I will serve out the full term that ends Jan. 3, 2027. 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.” (RELATED: Democratic Sen. Tina Smith Makes Shocking Retirement Announcement)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Democratic U.S. Vice Presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA) greet people in the West Oak Lane neighborhood on September 17, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With the election about a month and a half away, Harris campaigns in the swing state of Pennsylvania, which has the fifth most electoral votes. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Evans’ retirement announcement comes after he announced in May 2024 that he had suffered a minor stroke. Evans’ district is the most Democratic in the nation according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voter Index (PVI) metric — which ranks it first with a PVI of D+40. Some have speculated that the congressman’s exit could lead to a crowded Democratic primary to represent the deep-blue seat.

Evans also emphasized that he will “continue to serve his constituents fully until the end of his term, that his offices will remain open, and that he will support a smooth transition for his successor,” according to the press release.

Evans’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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