‘I'm recovering': Pa. Rep. Dwight Evans says he's had ‘minor' stroke

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans of Philadelphia said Thursday that he is in a rehabilitation facility recovering from a minor stroke, and plans to return to voting in Washington in about six weeks.

"I wanted to let my constituents know that I am recovering from a minor stroke, and I want to emphasize the word minor," the fourth-term Democrat wrote on social media. "I’m recovering at an inpatient rehabilitation facility."

Evans -- who represents the 3rd Congressional District that includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia -- said he is having difficulty with one of his legs that will impact his walking for some time and expects to leave the rehabilitation facility in about a week.

Evans, 70, said he received the diagnosis this week for a stroke that was so minor that he didn't realize what had happened for a few days. He said the stroke won't affect his long-term ability to serve in Congress.

He said he took some time to rest and decide 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,” Evans said.

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Evans served for 36 years in the state House of Representatives, rising to become Appropriations Committee chairman, before winning the seat of the convicted former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah.