About 40 supporters and staffers for Council member Jack Evans gathered in bright red “I back Jack” shirts at Stoney’s on P Street Tuesday night to celebrate the Foggy Bottom Council member’s eighth victorious election.

Evans, who has represented Ward 2 for more than 25 years, spent much of his victory party talking and laughing jubilantly in the crowded bar as he casually drank beer, snacked on food and talked to his supporters and volunteers to thank them for their ongoing support.

“I really enjoy representing Ward 2 and we still have a lot of work to do,” Evans said as he discussed his plans after winning his eighth term.

The lifelong Democrat cited improving education, improving affordability of living and decreasing crime rates as key initiatives he wants to work on in his upcoming term.

“I have more embassies in my ward than most countries,” Evans said to describe the challenges that sometimes come with representing his area of the city.

In addition to being re-elected as a Councilmember, Evans will also reassume his role as chairman of the District’s Committee on Finance and Revenue.

“Spending more money is easy, but someone has to be responsible to allow others to be irresponsible,” Evans said about his role on the committee

John Ralls, the special advisor for communications and outreach in the Division of Operations, attended the Evans victory party to support the Council member. He said he used to work under Evans.

The 20-year supporter said that Evans has been a strong supporter for gay men, including helping to revise the sodomoy law and improving free access to condoms.

“He is ultra progressive on issues I care about as a gay man,” he said.

Bea, a Ward 2 resident who declined to give her last name, said she supports Evans because of his experience dealing with the city’s financial issues.

“He knows the good and the bad and has been here for all of it,” Bea said.

Two Penn Quarter residents, Stephen and Kristie, said they support Evans because of the effort he has put into developing the neighborhoods in his Ward. They declined to give their last names.

“The growth of the City Center area has only happened in recent years because of the work Evans is doing with both local businesses and national corporations to expand the neighborhood,” Kristie said.