MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, announced Tuesday, March 17 that he will retire at the end of his current term and not run for reelection this fall. Wanggaard is the longest-serving Republican state senator and the only Republican elected to four terms in the 21st District.

In a Tuesday statement, Wanggaard cited his health and family circumstances, saying he lost three siblings over the past four years, his daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and a brother suffered a heart attack and has dementia.

"My head is telling me it's time to retire. I'll be 78 years old at the end of the next term," Wanggaard said. "My health, and the health of my family will not allow me to put my all into this campaign or serving the 21st District."

Before entering the state Legislature, he served as a police officer, county board supervisor and police and fire commissioner in Racine.