U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans is being treated for a minor stroke

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans said on Thursday that he is undergoing inpatient treatment following a minor stroke.

Evans, 70, a Democrat who has represented Philadelphia since 2016, said he received the diagnosis this week after unknowingly suffering the stroke days before.

“I wanted to let my constituents know that I am recovering from a minor stroke, and I want to emphasize the word minor,” Evans said in a statement. “It was minor enough that I didn’t even realize what had happened for a few days. The main impact seems to be some difficulty with one leg, which will probably impact my walking for some time, but not my long-term ability to serve the people of Philadelphia.”

Evans said he is recovering at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, where he expects to be for about a week longer, followed by outpatient therapy. He said he expects to be back in Washington in six weeks.

“I’m focusing on my healing and would ask for privacy during these six weeks,” he said.

Last week Evans participated in a news conference at the Community College of Philadelphia and made an appearance at a fundraiser with U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D., S.C.). He missed votes in Congress over the last two weeks but voted the last time the House was in session prior to that on May 8.

Evans said in the statement he took some time to determine how to go public with the diagnosis.

“In the coming months, I want to help educate people and remove the stigma that sometimes accompanies strokes – many people can recover and continue on with their life and their work.”

Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat who had a stroke in 2022 while a candidate for U.S. Senate, said of Evans’ stroke: “It’s not an easy thing to face but know that we are all pulling for you, Congressman.”

Fetterman’s public recovery from his stroke, and resulting depression, sparked a national conversation about stroke rehabilitation and mental health.

Evans represents Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest, and Center City Philadelphia.

He handily defeated Philadelphia’s former register of wills Tracey Gordon in the Democratic primary in April and faces no Republican challenger in November in the heavily Democratic district.

As news of his stroke circulated on Thursday, well-wishes came in from politicians around the region, including Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, a close ally of Evans.

“I’ve heard the news of Congressman Evans’ minor stroke,” Parker said in a statement Thursday evening. “However, nothing changes for us. He’s still Dwight to me – Congressman Evans. And I know this minor stroke won’t get in the way of our 6 a.m. phone calls, when he shares his wisdom and provides his guidance to me.”

Parker said she looked forward to Evans’ return to “full and active duty.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro, who worked with Evans in the statehouse also wished him well. “If I know Dwight (and I do), I know he’s already ready to get back to work for the people of Philadelphia,” the governor posted on X.

“Dwight is an outstanding colleague and close friend,” said U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat who also represents parts of Philadelphia. “We work very closely together on many issues. I’m happy to hear he’s recovering well and look forward to having him back here soon.”

Staff writer Anna Orso contributed reporting.