Mayor Kenney endorses State Rep. Dwight Evans for Congress

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has endorsed State Rep. Dwight Evans to unseat Congressman Chaka Fattah in the Democratic Primary.

Evans was not in attendance at a forum Thursday night in Southwest Philadelphia.

But Fattah was, along with several of his other opponents including Democratic Ward Leader Daniel Muroff and State Rep. Brian Sims.

Fattah has served 11 terms, but is set to go on trial on corruption charges later this year.

Kenney released the following statement Thursday night:

"I've known Dwight Evans for decades. He has a long history of fighting to eliminate poverty, improve our children's education, provide decent safe and affordable housing for our families - and good paying jobs for our residents.

Dwight Evans isn't afraid of the gun lobby. He'll stand up to the special interests and join me in fighting to improve our city - block by block - because Dwight Evans believes as I do -- that every neighborhood matters.

We need Dwight Evans in Congress - fighting for our city and our families."