NEW ALBANY — Democratic state Sen. Connie Sipes of New Albany will retire after finishing her term that ends next year.

The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., reports that Sipes will endorse Floyd County Commissioner Chuck Freiberger for the District 46 seat, which includes parts of Clark and Floyd counties in southern Indiana.

Two Republicans — Jeffersonville City Councilman Ron Grooms and New Albany-Floyd County Schools Board member Lee Ann Wiseheart — have also said they will seek the seat.

Sipes is a former elementary school teacher and principal. Democrats appointed Sipes to the Senate in 1997 to fill an unexpired term, and she has since been elected to three consecutive terms. Sipes was the minority caucus chairwoman in the Senate.