State Rep. Yusuf Salaam, D-Selma, will seek re-election to his present seat, House District 67.

Salaam made the announcement Thursday. For awhile the veteran Alabama legislator was named as a possible candidate for Senate District 23.

Last month, Sen. Hank Sanders, who holds the District 23 seat, said he would not seek re-election in 2010. Sanders, D-Selma, said at the time this particular aspect of his political life had ended.

Salaam said he made the decision chiefly because his family had urged him not to run in the larger Senate district.

“Of course my wife and children are not willing to support me in such an endeavor. They feel and I agree that the best way for me to serve is to continue my duties to this one county where I am familiar with the issues and the people,” Salaam said.

The legislator said he will continue work with the Selma-Dallas County Think Tank, Turning the Black Belt Green and working out a strategy with the educational community builders.

Additionally, Salaam said he has some health issues exacerbated by stress and exhaustion that would prohibit him from representing such a large district effectively. Senate District 23 consists of Autauga, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Lowndes, Marengo, Monroe, Perry and Wilcox counties.

“The medical folks believe I can meet the challenge of District 67 without risking long-term negative health consequences,” Salaam said.