Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_1341472_40 (first_elected INTEGER, result VARCHAR)

### Question ###
What is the earliest year where the result of the election was a retired republican hold?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT MIN(first_elected) FROM table_1341472_40 WHERE result = "Retired Republican hold"