The Goyke household has always been politically active. Evan has fond memories of watching and debating the West Wing or presidential campaigns and volunteering on local campaigns even at an early age. Evan earned a degree in Political Science from St. John's University (Minnesota) and for one semester attended Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

In 2006, Evan moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University Law School. Evan's interest and work in the criminal justice system began in law school, including participation in the Milwaukee Street Law Project and a year-long internship with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. Following law school, Evan was hired as an attorney with the Wisconsin State Public Defender in the Milwaukee Trial office. In that role, Evan represented individuals accused of committing crimes ranging from simple misdemeanors to the most serious cases. Evan also represented individuals participating in alternatives to incarceration and the Milwaukee Country Drug Treatment Court. While serving as an attorney, Evan also served in the community in several different capacities.

Evan met his future wife, Gabriela (Gaby) Leija on his first day of work at the Public Defender's Office. Gaby is also a graduate of Marquette University Law School and works as a Public Defender within the Federal Criminal Court system. Gaby grew up on Milwaukee's south side and is active in Milwaukee's Latino community as well as Milwaukee's legal community.

Celebrating three years of marriage and ten years together, Evan and Gaby live on Milwaukee's near west side in the Historic Concordia Neighborhood. In 2011, they purchased a then-foreclosed and empty historic home and are restoring it to its original grandeur. Evan serves on the board of the neighborhood association and both Evan and Gaby enjoy being involved in their incredible community.