Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) today announced that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026, concluding a distinguished career in public service spanning over four decades.

“Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life,” said Evans. “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. 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. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as their advocate in government.”

Evans 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.

A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Evans began his career as a teacher and community organizer. At the age of 26, he was elected to the Pennsylvania State House in 1980 where he served for 36 years and made history as the first African-American chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, serving in that powerful role for two decades.

In 2016, Evans was elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District (later redistricted as the 3rd), succeeding longtime Congressman Chaka Fattah. In Congress, he serves on the influential Ways and Means Committee, which oversees Social Security, Medicare, taxes and trade, and has served on the Small Business Committee and Agriculture Committee, advocating for equitable economic development, criminal justice reform, funding for school repairs, affordable housing, and access to health care and healthy food.

“Congressman Dwight Evans has been a friend for more than 20 years,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro in a statement. “When we served in the State House together, Dwight believed in me long before others did and gave me opportunities to rise in leadership and learn from his legislative skill.

“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.

“I applaud Dwight on a public service career well done, and I look forward to our continued friendship as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.”

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis echoed with the sentiment.

“As Pennsylvania’s first Black lieutenant governor, I’m always conscious of the people who paved the way for me. I know that I stand on the shoulders of giants — and Congressman Dwight Evans is one of those giants. Dwight was the first African-American candidate to run for governor in Pennsylvania, and he has had a storied career, from serving in the Statehouse and managing the state budget process as the House Appropriations chairman, to representing the City of Brotherly Love in Congress.

Even while serving in all of those important roles, Dwight has always been a mentor to younger candidates and elected officials. After I learned I had won my first race for state representative, the first congratulatory call I received was from Congressman Evans. He is a class act, brilliant lawmaker and, more importantly, a great friend.”

In 2025, Evans has fought to defend gains made during the Biden-Harris administration and against the pending Trump “Reverse Robin Hood” bill that would give the richest another tax cut and cut Medicaid and SNAP food aid. He fought the bill during a nearly 18-hour markup in the Ways and Means Committee, and voted against it in the full House. He will vote against it again if the Senate returns it to the House.

The 71-year-old Evans, who suffered a stroke last year, becomes the third House member to retire in the 2026 election cycle, joining Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported that state Sen. Sharif Street, as well as state Rep. Morgan Cephas, expressed interest in a run at Evans’ seat. Two others have already filed their candidacies for 2026 – former city government employee Robin Toldens and physician Dave Oxman.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.