Representative Billy Lee Evans

Billy Lee Evans (born November 10, 1941) is an American politician and attorney who served in both the Georgia House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1983. A member of the Democratic Party during his congressional tenure, he represented a Georgia district in the United States Congress for three terms and contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in American political history.

Evans was born in Tifton, Georgia, on November 10, 1941. He attended the public schools of his hometown before enrolling at the University of Georgia. There he completed his undergraduate studies and went on to earn a law degree, preparing for a career in the legal profession and public service. His education at the University of Georgia provided the academic foundation for his subsequent admission to the bar and entry into state politics.

In 1965, Evans was admitted to the Georgia bar and began practicing law in Macon, Georgia. His legal practice coincided with growing involvement in public affairs, and he soon sought elective office. In 1968, he ran for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives and was elected in a notable contest in which he defeated incumbent Joe F. Ragland, a Democrat-turned-Republican, in the Republican primary. Evans took office in 1969 and served in the Georgia House of Representatives until 1977. During this period, he initially served as a Republican but changed his party affiliation, becoming a Democrat on June 7, 1974, a shift that aligned him with the dominant political party in Georgia at the time and set the stage for his later congressional career.

On November 2, 1976, Evans was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives. He entered Congress on January 3, 1977, and served until January 3, 1983. Over the course of his three terms in office, he participated in the democratic process at the federal level and represented the interests of his Georgia constituents during a period marked by economic challenges, energy concerns, and evolving national and international issues. As a member of the House of Representatives, Evans engaged in legislative deliberations and contributed to the formulation of federal policy as part of the Democratic majority in Congress.

Evans’s congressional service came to an end following the 1982 election cycle. Seeking renomination that year, he was defeated in the Democratic primary by J. Roy Rowland. His loss followed accusations that he had accepted illegal campaign contributions, which became a significant factor in the primary contest. With the conclusion of his term on January 3, 1983, his formal service in the U.S. House of Representatives ended after six years.

After leaving Congress, Evans continued his involvement in public affairs and government-related work. He became vice president of government relations for a consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., a position that drew on his legislative experience and knowledge of the federal government. In addition to his professional role in the private sector, he has served on the Board of Directors of the American Freedom Coalition, an organization founded by Christian Right leader Robert Grant and civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy, reflecting his continued engagement with political and social issues. Evans has resided in the Washington metropolitan area, living in Vienna, Virginia, while maintaining his connections to Georgia and his long-standing career in law, politics, and public policy.