Senator Susan Collins of Maine is currently serving a six-year term in the United States Senate, which began on January 3, 2021, and will end on January 3, 2027. She was re-elected to this term in November 2020, defeating Democrat Sara Gideon. This article explains the length of her term, the broader context of Senate terms, her career timeline, and answers common questions about her tenure.
Background: Susan Collins’s Senate Career
Susan Collins has served in the U.S. Senate since 1997. She was first elected in 1996, succeeding Republican William Cohen, and has won re-election in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. As of 2025, she is the most senior Republican woman in the Senate and the longest-serving senator from Maine. Her current term is her fifth, and she has stated she will not seek re-election in 2026, meaning her tenure will conclude at the end of this term.
How Senate Terms Work
Under Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, senators serve six-year terms. Elections are held every two years for approximately one-third of the Senate seats, so no two senators from the same state are up for election in the same year unless a special election occurs. Maine’s other Senate seat is held by Angus King, an independent, whose term runs from 2021 to 2027 as well. Collins’s term is classified as a Class II Senate seat, which means it was last up for election in 2020 and will next be contested in 2026.
How to Look Up a Senator’s Term
To find the exact end date of any senator’s term, you can check the official Senate website, which lists each member’s term expiration. The term always ends on January 3 of the year following the last election. For example, a senator elected in November 2020 takes office on January 3, 2021, and their term ends on January 3, 2027. You can also use the Senate’s “Senators of the 119th Congress” page, which shows the class and term end for each member.
Common Questions About Term Length
Many people confuse Senate terms with House terms, which are only two years. Others wonder if a senator can serve more than two terms—there is no term limit for U.S. senators, so Collins could have run again in 2026, but she has chosen not to. Another common question is whether a senator can be recalled; the Constitution does not provide for recall of federal officials, so Collins cannot be removed by a state referendum.
Comparison: Collins vs. Other Senators
Compared to the average senator, Collins has served longer than most. The average tenure for a senator in recent years is about 10 years, or roughly 1.7 terms. Collins has served over 28 years by the end of her current term. Her tenure is notable for her moderate Republican stance, often voting against her party on key issues, which has made her a pivotal swing vote in closely divided Senates.
Costs and Benefits of Long Tenure
Long-serving senators accumulate seniority, which can bring advantages such as committee chairmanships and influence over legislation. Collins has used her seniority to secure funding for Maine projects, such as shipbuilding and infrastructure. However, critics argue that long tenure can lead to complacency or a disconnect from constituents. Collins’s voting record has faced scrutiny, particularly her 2018 vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, which sparked a significant re-election challenge in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Susan Collins’s current term end?
Her current term ends on January 3, 2027. She will not seek re-election, so her service will conclude then.
How many years has Susan Collins been a senator?
As of 2025, she has served 28 years, from January 1997 to January 2025. By the end of her term, she will have served 30 years.
Can Susan Collins be re-elected after 2026?
Yes, she could have run again, as there are no term limits for senators. However, she announced in 2023 that she would not run for re-election in 2026.
Why are Senate terms six years?
The six-year term was designed by the Founders to give senators longer-range vision than House members, who face election every two years, and to provide stability in the legislative branch.
Who will replace Susan Collins?
The 2026 election will determine her successor. As of early 2025, no candidate has been formally declared, but several Maine politicians are considering runs.
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