Dan Evans, a three-term Republican governor of Washington state and former U.S. Senator, has passed away at the age of 98. The University of Washington confirmed his death on Friday. Evans was known for his frustration with the rancor and tedium of the Senate, which led to his departure from politics.
Evans had a significant impact on Washington politics and was elected governor three times, making him the only person to achieve this feat until current Governor Jay Inslee. Born in Seattle in 1925, Evans began his career as a civil engineer before entering politics. He won a seat in the state Legislature in 1956 and went on to defeat incumbent Democrat Albert D. Rosellini for the governorship in 1964.
As a moderate to liberal Republican, Evans focused on environmental issues during his tenure as governor. He supported clean air and water legislation and established the nation’s first state Department of Ecology, which served as a model for the Environmental Protection Agency under President Richard Nixon.
Despite being popular among Republicans in predominantly Democratic Washington state, Evans declined opportunities to run for higher office due to his dislike for Washington D.C., particularly the Senate. However, he accepted an appointment to fill Democratic Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson’s seat after Jackson’s death in 1983 but chose not to seek re-election in 1988 due to frustrations with decision-making processes.
After leaving politics, Evans remained active within academia and served as president of The Evergreen State College. He also held positions on various nonprofit and corporate boards.
Evans leaves behind an enduring legacy through institutions named after him at the University of Washington—the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance—and through his contributions towards improving higher education and mentoring aspiring public servants.
His sons expressed their admiration for their father’s full life dedicated to public service while still prioritizing family.
