State Rep. Lyndon Carlson, the longest serving legislator in Minnesota history, announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election next year.

Carlson, 79, a DFLer from Crystal and chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, was first elected in 1972 and has been re-elected every two years since then.

“The past 47 years has been exceptionally fulfilling,” the retired teacher and coach said in a statement. “I have had the opportunity to be part of many important and lasting legislative accomplishments for the people of Minnesota… I have played a role in many of the key issues in health care and prescription drugs, the environment, jobs and economic development, transportation and education at all levels — in addition to many other issues.”

He will serve the remainder of his current term.