Dingell, Longest-Serving Congressman, To Retire

SOUTHGATE, Mich. (AP) — Debbie Dingell isn't saying today whether she will run for the Michigan congressional seat now held by her husband, Democrat John Dingell -- who announced today that he is retiring after nearly 60 years in the House of Representatives. He's the longest-serving member of Congress in history.

Dingell, who is 87, says his 60-year-old wife will have his vote if she decides to run.

Dingell has served in the U.S. House since winning his late father's seat in 1955. He became the longest-serving member of Congress ever in June when he broke the record held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia.

Dingell has played a role in many major pieces of legislation, including President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and Medicare. As a congressional page, he watched President Franklin Roosevelt ask Congress to declare war on Japan.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.