Dan Evans, Washington’s Three-Term Governor, Dies at 98

Dan Evans, Washington’s Three-Term Governor, Dies at 98 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Dan Evans, a beloved three-term Republican governor of Washington state who later served in the U.S. Senate, has died at age 98. Known for his moderate stance and environmental advocacy, Evans was instrumental in creating the state’s Department of Ecology and The Evergreen State College. Despite his popularity, he left the Senate, citing frustration with the chamber’s rancor and inefficiency.

Dan Evans’ Life and Legacy Quick Looks

• Three-Term Washington Governor: Evans was Washington’s governor from 1965 to 1977, and until Governor Jay Inslee, he was the only person elected to three terms.
• Environmental Advocate: Evans helped create the nation’s first state Department of Ecology, which inspired President Nixon’s Environmental Protection Agency.
• Senate Frustration: After being appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1983 following the death of Sen. Henry Jackson, Evans left politics in 1988 due to frustrations with the chamber’s inefficiency.
• Evergreen State College Founder: As governor, Evans backed the creation of Washington’s community college system and helped found The Evergreen State College, later serving as its president.
• Enduring Influence: Evans remained active in public service, serving as a regent at the University of Washington and holding numerous positions on nonprofit and corporate boards.

Deep Look

Dan Evans, the popular three-term Republican governor of Washington state and U.S. Senator, passed away at the age of 98. A towering figure in Washington politics, Evans was admired for his moderate and pragmatic approach to governance, his environmental advocacy, and his deep commitment to public service, which spanned decades. Evans’ death was confirmed by the University of Washington, where he had served as a regent and where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance is named in his honor.

Born in 1925 in Seattle, Evans trained as a civil engineer before entering politics. His political career began with his election to the Washington State Legislature in 1956. By 1964, at just 39 years old, Evans made his mark on the national stage when he was elected governor, defeating two-term Democratic incumbent Albert D. Rosellini in a year that saw Republicans struggle nationwide—President Lyndon Johnson crushed Barry Goldwater in the presidential race. Despite the national tide, Evans’ personal charisma and political skill led to his victory.

A moderate to liberal Republican, Evans quickly gained a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. His tenure as governor was marked by significant environmental achievements, a passion fueled by his love for the outdoors. Evans helped establish new park and recreation areas across Washington state and created the nation’s first state Department of Ecology—an initiative so successful that it became the model for President Richard Nixon’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Evans also supported clean air and water legislation, cementing his legacy as one of the state’s early environmental champions.

However, not all of Evans’ ambitious reforms were successful. Notably, he pushed for the creation of a state income tax, a policy he believed would provide long-term fiscal stability for Washington. Despite his efforts, the initiative was rejected by voters. Evans opted not to run for a fourth term as governor, stepping down in 1977 after twelve years of leadership.

Beyond his role in state governance, Evans helped shape Washington’s higher education system. He was instrumental in the founding of The Evergreen State College, a liberal arts institution that emphasized interdisciplinary studies and progressive education methods. Evans’ commitment to education continued after his time as governor, as he went on to serve as the college’s president for several years.

Evans’ impact on state and national politics didn’t end with his time in the governor’s mansion. Although he had long resisted calls to run for higher office—famously stating in 1972 that he “could not stand to be in the Senate”—he ultimately accepted an appointment to the U.S. Senate in 1983 following the death of Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson, a prominent Democrat. Evans’ appointment was seen as a strong bipartisan move in a predominantly Democratic state.

Despite his success and popularity, Evans found the Senate frustrating. In 1988, he decided not to seek re-election, citing the “tediousness of getting decisions made” and the rancorous nature of the chamber. His departure from the Senate reflected his preference for pragmatic, solution-oriented politics, which he felt was increasingly absent from Washington, D.C.

After leaving politics, Evans remained an influential figure in Washington state and beyond. He served as a regent at the University of Washington, his alma mater, and stayed active in public service and education for the rest of his life. Evans was involved with numerous nonprofit and corporate boards, further extending his legacy of leadership.

Throughout his life, Evans was known not only for his political accomplishments but also for his humility, commitment to family, and deep dedication to service. His sons—Dan Jr., Mark, and Bruce Evans—said in a statement that their father “lived an exceptionally full life,” adding, “He touched a lot of lives. And he did this without sacrificing family.”

In his later years, Evans also reflected on his national political career, having built a broad profile as a moderate voice within the Republican Party. He gave the keynote address at the 1968 National Republican Convention and was frequently mentioned as a potential vice-presidential running mate, including in 1976 when he supported President Gerald Ford over Ronald Reagan. Evans remained loyal to his moderate Republican roots, initially backing George H.W. Bush in 1980 before distancing himself from the more conservative wing of the party.

Despite his exit from national politics, Evans’ impact on Washington state’s political landscape is undeniable. His efforts to push forward environmental protections, educational reforms, and pragmatic governance have left a lasting imprint on the state. His name is memorialized through the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life in the service of others.

As Washington’s longest-serving Republican governor and a public servant for more than six decades, Evans’ legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the common good. His death marks the end of an era for Washington state politics, but his influence will endure for generations.

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