Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) endorsed businessman Tom Wolf for governor.

“We need a governor who is a true partner to our community and who knows that we can change lives and change communities for the better,” said Evans. “I’ve known Tom for 20 years, working on issues ranging from economic fairness to better schools. He’s no ordinary candidate, building a business and giving back 20-30 percent of his profits to his employees. He’ll be the change we need in Harrisburg. Tom’s the real deal, and he’s the governor we desperately need.”

According to Wolf’s campaign, the two have worked together for 20 years on issues of revitalization, education and community development.

“Rep. Dwight Evans rebuilt his community block by block, and as governor I will support efforts like his to create strong, vibrant communities and improve economic development in Pennsylvania,” said Tom Wolf. “I am honored to have the endorsement of one of Philadelphia’s strongest leaders and fiercest advocates. As a businessman, I know that Pennsylvania needs to get its economy back on track and that starts with investing in our communities and focusing on economic development. I will fight for communities like Northwest Philadelphia, and all of those throughout Pennsylvania that need a stronger, more vibrant economy.”

Evans took office in 1980 at age 26, in the 203rd Legislative District in Northwest Philadelphia. Tom Wolf lives in South Central Pennsylvania, and is one of few Democratic gubernatorial candidates not from SEPA.

Wolf is also unique in that he is personally financing most of his campaign. His campaign raised $13.27 million going into 2014. Approximately $3,270,000 came in contributions, $10,002,250 in contributions from Tom and Frances Wolf.

He pointed this out at the last governor’s forum, saying that his personal contributions meant that he wasn’t accountable to special interests, only himself.

Wolf faces a deep pool of Democratic candidates for the nomination to face Governor Tom Corbett his fall: Rep. Allyson Schwartz, State Treasurer Rob McCord, Former DEP Secretaries Katie McGinty and John Hanger, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, minister Max Myers and Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz.