State Auditor Charlie Daniels will retire rather than seek reelection when his term ends in 2014, he said Monday in a statement.
The 73-year-old Daniels, who was elected in 2010, has spent nearly 40 years in public service as land commissioner, secretary of state and auditor.
Daniels in his statement thanked voters, his family and his colleagues. He also said he was pleased with the progress made as auditor, including working to bring the office online and upgrading technology.
"I love this state, and its people," said Daniels, a Democrat. "I have called Arkansas home my whole life. I raised my family here, and came to a job every day where I was able to make our state government work better for the people we serve. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made along the way."
The state Republican party issued a statement after Daniels' announcement noting that it puts it "in prime position to elect a fiscal conservative" to the auditor post in 2014.