Alabama's longest-serving state senator says he has decided to step aside in favor of his daughter.

Senator Hank Sanders announced Saturday that he will not be seeking a 10th term in office. He says his daughter, Malika Sanders-Fortier, will run in his place for the Senate District 23 seat, which covers the Selma area.

The 75-year-old Sanders released a statement citing his recent 48th anniversary as a catalyst, saying it was time to re-evaluate his future after realizing the magnitude of taking just 24 hours off. Sanders, who has served in the senate for 35 years, originally planned to seek one final term.

He's the 10th senator and only Democrat to decide to not seek re-election this year.

Sanders-Fortier, his daughter, has qualified for the June 5 primary as a Democrat. No other candidates from either major political party had qualified before Friday's deadline.