MADISON, Wis. — State Sen. Fred A. Risser (D-Madison) announced his retirement from the Wisconsin Legislature on Tuesday morning, bringing his 64 years in state politics to an end.
According to a news release, Risser will leave his position on Monday.
Risser said he was honored to have had the opportunity to represent the Madison area in the Wisconsin Legislature. He is the longest serving state or national legislator in U.S. history. He is also the last World War II veteran to serve in state or national legislatures.
Risser, now 92, was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1956 and moved to the State Senate in 1962.
In addition to his 8 years as senate minority leader and 25 years as senate president, Risser helped make it possible for seniors over 60 to audit courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for free.
During his time in office, Risser was involved in drafting the Capitol Master Plan and following through on more than 10 years of restoration to the building.
Risser is the fourth generation in his family to represent the Madison area in the state legislature. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather all held office.
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