In 1980, three-term Republican Congressman Charles Grassley gave up his seat in Iowa's 3rd congressional district to launch a successful run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent John C. Culver.

Evans won a four-way race for the Republican nomination to succeed Grassley, winning 45 percent of the primary vote.

"[4] An effort by Evans' supporters in the Legislature to amend the third plan to preserve its Republican character failed and it took effect upon the governor's signature.

However, despite redistricting and a minor national Democratic comeback, Evans handily defeated Cutler, winning this time by over 20,000 votes.

[5] Two years later, Evans won re-election by an even greater margin, receiving over 60 percent of the vote defeating Democrat Joe Johnston.