Pa. Congressman Dwight Evans won't seek reelection in 2026, announces plans to retire
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-3rd District) announced on Monday that he will not run for reelection in 2026.
'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 said. 'Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life. 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.'
'I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the trust that voters put in me as their voice in both state and federal office,' he added. 'It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as their advocate in government.'
In May 2024, Evans suffered a stroke and did not vote for several months during his recovery. He was reelected to another term last year. In his statement, Evans said that he is in 'good health and fully capable of continuing to serve.' He intends to serve the remainder of his current term that ends on Jan. 3, 2027.
Evans career in elected office spans several decades. He served in Pennsylvania's General Assembly for multiple decades before he defeated indicted incumbent Congressman Chaka Fattah in the Democratic Party primary in 2016 to win a seat in the U.S. House.
He has cruised to reelection four times and represents a safe Democratic district, according to national ratings outlets.
Evans is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he serves on the Subcommittees on Health, and Worker and Family Support.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in December that multiple Democrats would be interested in running for the seat, if Evans decided to not seek reelection in 2026. A few confirmed interest in the seat following Evans announcement. Earlier this year, Evans' first quarter fundraising total, was the lowest in the state's congressional delegation.
State Sen. Sharif Street, who also serves as the chairman of the state's Democratic Party, said 'We'll be filing paperwork tomorrow that will answer that question.'
State Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) previously set up an exploratory committee for the seat in October 2023, but decided against challenging Evans.
'I had no intention of running against the congressman, but now that he has announced that he's not running for re-election. I'm seriously considering it,' Rabb told the Capital-Star on Monday.
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, who serves as the chair of the Philadelphia caucus in the state House, told POLITICO on Monday that 'me and my team are strongly considering a bid.'
Dave Oxman, a physician, and Robin Toldens, who the Inquirer reports is a former city government employee and real estate agent, are both Democrats who have already filed to run for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District
Peter Hall and Ian Karbal contributed to this report.
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