SEATTLE — Dan Evans, the esteemed three-term Republican governor of Washington state, has passed away at the age of 98. Evans, who once served in the U.S. Senate, left the position due to frustrations concerning the contentious atmosphere in the chamber.
His death was confirmed on Friday by the University of Washington, where he held the position of regent and where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance honors his legacy.
“Dan Evans was an honorable, independent-minded public servant who put Washington state first,” stated a Democratic U.S. senator. “We were fortunate to have him, and his legacy will endure for generations.”
Evans was a pivotal figure in Washington politics for decades, acknowledged for being the only individual elected governor three times, a feat only matched by current Governor Jay Inslee. Inslee expressed admiration for Evans, noting the lasting positive impact he had on numerous aspects of the state.
Born in 1925 in Seattle, Evans initially worked as a civil engineer before venturing into public service. He entered the state Legislature in 1956 and secured the governorship in 1964, triumphing over the incumbent in a challenging political environment for Republicans.
Renowned as a moderate to liberal Republican, Evans championed environmental conservation and recreational area expansion. He established the nation’s first state Department of Ecology, which influenced the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
After his gubernatorial tenure that ended in 1977, Evans continued to shape education in Washington, becoming president of The Evergreen State College, a institution he helped to establish.
His national recognition peaked when he was the keynote speaker at the 1968 National Republican Convention, and he was frequently noted as a potential vice presidential candidate in the years following.
In 1983, following the death of Democratic Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson, Evans briefly served in the Senate but chose not to seek election again in 1988, citing dissatisfaction with the political environment in Washington, D.C.
Later in life, he contributed to the University of Washington as a regent, engaging with numerous nonprofit and corporate boards. His family reflected on his impactful life, stating, “He touched a lot of lives while always prioritizing family.”
Evans is preceded in death by his wife, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 90.
