(Paul Warner/Getty Images)

Debbie Dingell, the wife of longtime Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell, will run for his congressional seat when he retires at the end of this term, two Democratic sources told ABC News.

The safely Democratic seat has been held in the Dingell family since 1933, when John Dingell's father, Rep. John Dingell Sr., was first elected.

Debbie Dingell, 60, is a longtime Democratic Party fixture in Michigan and Washington. Also a former lobbyist for General Motors, she is now chairwoman of the Wayne State University board of governors in Detroit.

Her husband has been known as the "Dean of the House" for his more than 58 years in office that began in 1955, after the death of his father.

If she where to win, Debbie Dingell would extend the 81-year streak of the Dingell family in Michigan's 12th district.

In announcing his retirement in his district Monday, Dingell praised his wife for her work for the district throughout the years.

"And to my dear friend and wise adviser, whose wisdom, goodness and caring have made it possible to serve with compassion and skill," Dingell, 87, said. "I want to express my thanks and gratitude to the lovely Deborah.

"She has been tireless, devoted and worked just as hard - if not harder - for this district throughout the years," he added.

It's not out of the question for the Dingells to hang on in Congress for a full 100 years.

Debbie Dingell would be 79 in 2033, younger than her husband, who'll retire just shy of 88.