DOVER, Del. (AP) - The head of the Republican caucus in Delaware’s state Senate says he will not seek re-election this year.

Minority Leader Gary Simpson of Milford confirmed his decision in a statement Friday, the same day Republican Rep. Dave Wilson of Lincoln filed for the 18th District Senate seat.

Simpson, who was elected to the Senate 20 years ago, says he had told Wilson and a few other people that he would be announcing his intentions when lawmakers reconvened in March, and that he is disappointed he was unable to announce his retirement on his own terms.

Wilson said in a statement that word of Simpson’s decision had been circulating for a while, and that he decided to file now to be as transparent as possible.