John,

After careful consideration and deep reflection over this past weekend, I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives.

It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve the people of Philadelphia, first in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and now in Congress. I will forever be grateful to the residents of this great city for the trust they placed in me.

While I may not be a candidate next year, I am by no means stepping away from the fight. I intend to spend the months ahead focused on increasing voter turnout in Philadelphia. Our voices matter, and our votes are our power. I will work tirelessly to ensure more people in our city engage with and participate in the political process.

I will also do everything I can to help Democrats take back the majority in the House of Representatives. That means supporting candidates here in Pennsylvania and in key districts across the country. We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to win back the gavel and deliver for working families.

Finally, I want to say this to my fellow elected officials: We must do a better job of listening—truly listening—to the people we represent. The challenges our constituents face are real, and they deserve leaders who are present, responsive, and willing to act boldly on their behalf.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing to serve in new ways in the months and years ahead.

— Congressman Dwight Evans