NASHVILLE (AP) - Rep. Jimmy Naifeh announced Thursday that he won't seek re-election after 38 years in the House of Representatives, saying it's time to "pass the torch to the next generation of leaders."

Naifeh, who was given the honorary title of speaker emeritus after holding the top House post for 18 years, made the announcement on the House floor.

The Covington Democrat said the late Tennessee Democratic Gov. Ned McWherter, whom Naifeh described as a mentor in politics and life, "always told me when it was time to go home, I'd know it."

"After talking with my family and friends, I believe the time has come for me to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders," Naifeh said.

He was elected to the House in 1974 after losing his first bid for office in 1972. He was succeeded as House speaker in 2009 by Republican Rep. Kent Williams of Elizabethton, who edged Rep. Jason Mumpower of Bristol on a vote of 50-49 after all 49 D emocrats banded together to support Williams.

Naifeh convinced Williams to seek the speakership and was behind the plan for him to be elected.

"During my one term as speaker ... his experience helped me through a very hard two years," Williams said Thursday on the House floor. "Thank you for all you did."

Naifeh commanded respect from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle - as well as the upper chamber. That respect was shown Thursday when Republicans, including Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, and other Democrats came over to the House during Naifeh's speech.

Naifeh jovially alluded to some of his political dealings when he quipped: "I certainly played hard ball at least once or twice."

As Naifeh walked to his seat, lawmakers stood and gave him a lengthy applause. Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell then called him to the lectern and asked him to once again lead the House.

"I think the ovation from both sides shows the kind of respect we have f or Jimmy Naifeh," said Democratic House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

Rep. Steve McDaniel said Naifeh was one of the few Democrats he was able to trust when he became a lawmaker.

"He is an icon in Tennessee politics," said the Parkers Crossroads Republican. "I admired his leadership, how he was able to get the job done. The man's heart has always been in the right place."

Democratic Rep. Lois DeBerry, who also holds the honorary title of speaker emeritus, said Naifeh's "supreme virtue is courage."

"My hymn book says, 'May the works I've done speak for me,'" said DeBerry, who became the first female speaker pro tempore in the House under Naifeh. "For 38 years, Speaker Naifeh has tried to do right for the people of Tennessee, despite obstacles and challenging situations."

Naifeh is the ninth Democratic lawmaker to announce his retirement this year.

State Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney said in a statement that he wishes Na ifeh the best, but didn't hesitate announcing the intentions of the GOP.

"A chapter is ending in Tennessee political history with the announced retirement of former House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh," Devaney said. "As we look ahead, we will be working hard to elect a strong Republican to lead district 81 moving forward."

In addition to being the longest serving speaker of the House in Tennessee history, Naifeh served as floor leader, majority leader and president of the National Speaker's Conference.

When asked in 2009 what he would do next after being House speaker so long, Naifeh said at the time: "I'm going to be the best legislator I can be."

His colleagues don't expect that to change now.

"The old war horse isn't through yet," Fitzhugh said. "I look forward to working with Jimmy Naifeh."