ST PAUL, Minn. — Only a handful of state legislators in Minnesota history have served as long as DFL Senator Sandy Pappas.

After more than 40 years in the legislature, though, Pappas announced Thursday that she will retire at the end of her term in 2026.

"I think it's just been a long run, and at a certain point you just decide it's really time," Pappas said in an interview at her office. "I want to leave while I still feel healthy."

Pappas, who ranks in the top 10 all-time for length of service in the legislature, served as Senate President from 2013 to 2016 and has chaired committees on education, state and local government, higher education and capital investment throughout her career.

Whether one agreed or disagreed with her policies, Pappas' voting record over the years has been

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