Admitted to the bar in 1887, Evans began the practice of law in Aiken and became known for his representation of poor farmers.

A reform-minded politician, Evans identified himself with the progressive wing of South Carolina's Democratic Party.

Frustrated, Evans volunteered as a major in the U.S. Army for the Spanish–American War in 1898 and helped create the civilian government of Havana.

Further attempts at an open Senate seat in 1902 and 1908 proved futile and henceforward he focused his energies on internal Democratic politics.

Evans won a term to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1922 from Spartanburg and served on the judiciary and rules committees.