Susan Collins

Susan Margaret Collins is an American politician and the senior United States senator from Maine.

Susan Margaret Collins is an American politician and the senior United States senator from Maine. A Republican first elected to the Senate in 1996, she is known as a moderate and has built a long career focused on bipartisan lawmaking and committee work.

Early life and education

Collins was born in Caribou, Maine, in 1952 and grew up in a family with a long-standing lumber business. She graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1975.

Political career

Before entering the Senate, Collins worked for U.S. Representative and later Senator Bill Cohen, and held roles in Maine and federal government. She won election to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and has served ever since.

Senate tenure

Collins has been reelected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. Her Senate service has included work on appropriations, aging, intelligence, and health-related committees, and she is noted for bipartisan coalition-building.

Public profile

She is widely described as a moderate Republican and has often been recognized for crossing party lines on legislation and nominations. Her record includes long streaks of consecutive votes and a reputation for seniority and influence in the Senate.