State Sen. Steve Dille, R-Dassel, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to the seat he has was first elected to in 1992.

In a news release sent Monday afternoon, Dille said he would step down when his current term ends next year.

"On average, Minnesota legislators serve for about 10 years," Dille said. "By the end of next year when my term ends, I will have had the honor and privilege of serving my constituents and the State of Minnesota at the Capitol for 24 years.

"I have been fortunate enough to spend much of my adult life serving the people surrounding met," Dille added. "The time I have spent in public office has been extremely fulfilling and has greatly enriched my life."

Dille entered elected office in 1977, serving as a Dassel Township supervisor. He was elected in 1984 to the Meeker County Board of Commissioners. In 1986, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he served until 1992. He was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1992 and has served there since.

"I would like to thank all of you for the tremendous amount of support you have given me over my years as an elected official," Dille said. "While looking forward to my retirement, I will miss the opportunity I have been given to serve my community. It has been a pleasure representing your needs and an honor serving each of you during my 33 years of service."