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State Sen. Fred Risser, the longest-serving lawmaker in the nation’s history, announced he will retire after the end of his term, capping his historic 64-year tenure amid a global pandemic and tumultuous presidential election year.

Risser, 92, is also the last World War II veteran remaining in either the state or nation’s legislatures. His time in the Legislature since being elected to the Assembly in 1956 and the Senate in 1962 has spanned 13 different governors, and he says he never missed a legislative roll call.

After decades immersed in Wisconsin politics, the Madison Democrat told the Wisconsin State Journal that it was simply time to hang it up, though a number of his friends thought he should soldier on.

“The truth is, it was a difficult decision for me,” Risser said. “I came to the conclusion, after thinking of all the changes and options, that it was time. I don’t know what else to say other than that.”

If Risser had chosen to run again, he would have been 97 by the end of the next term.

“I’m still a practicing attorney, though I don’t practice much,” he said. “I have a garden. I have a wonderful wife. We like to travel and I’m looking forward to a new period where I can spend more time doing other things.”