Washington’s current governor, Jay Inslee, remembered Evans’ positive impact and contributions made during his three terms as governor in his latest post on X.
“It’s difficult to think of another Washingtonian who ever had such a positive impact in so many realms as Dan Evans.We all, no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor,” Inslee posted on X.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington commented on Evans’ legacy, saying, as quoted by CNN, “Dan Evans was an honorable, independent-minded public servant who put Washington state first and dedicated his life to protecting and investing in the places and people in our state.”
Who was Dan Evans?
Evans was the second person in Washington’s history to be elected governor three times, after Democratic governor Jay Inslee.
Born in 1925 in Seattle, Evans began his career as a civil engineer and entered politics in 1956, joining the state Legislature. He won the governorship in 1964, defeating incumbent Democrat Albert D Rosellini.
Known for his moderate to liberal Republican stance, Evans contributed to environmental legislation and was instrumental in creating the nation’s first state Department of Ecology. He also sought to establish a state income tax but was unsuccessful.
After his tenure as governor ended in 1977, Evans served as president of The Evergreen State College, a school he helped establish. He also played a role in founding the state’s community college system.
Evans was married to Nancy Bell Evans, who passed away in January at age 90.
In 1983, Evans was appointed to the US Senate to fill the seat of the late Democratic senator Henry ‘Scoop’ Jackson. However, Evans chose not to run for the seat in 1988, citing “tediousness of getting decisions made,” according to CNN.
In his later years, Evans served as a regent at the University of Washington and participated in various nonprofit and corporate boards. He also has a public policy school named after him at the University of Washington.
Reflecting on their father’s life, his sons said, as quoted by CNN, “Dad lived an exceptionally full life… Whether serving in public office, working to improve higher education, mentoring aspiring public servants… he just kept signing up for stuff right until the end.”
