Susan Collins, born on December 7, 1952, in Caribou, Maine, is one of the most well-known politicians in American history. Serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Maine since 1997, Collins is widely recognized for her ability to work across party lines, making her a key figure in both Maine’s political landscape and national government. A member of the Republican Party, she has built a reputation as a moderate senator who often sides with the Democrats on critical issues while maintaining her conservative roots.
As of 2024, Collins is still an active participant in legislative affairs and continues to represent the people of Maine. Throughout her political career, she has been involved in a number of important legislative decisions, including those related to healthcare, national security, and small business support. In this article, we’ll explore Susan Collins’ life, political career, her relationship with former President Donald Trump, and her future in the Senate.
Key Takeaways
- Susan Collins is the longest-serving member of Congress from Maine, having represented the state in the U.S. Senate since 1997.
- Known for her moderate political stance, she has often worked across party lines to support legislation.
- Collins has played a significant role in key Senate committees, including Homeland Security and Aging.
- As of 2024, Collins is 71 years old, and there are no official plans for her retirement.
- She will be up for reelection in 2026 unless she decides to retire before then.
Who is Susan Collins?
Susan Margaret Collins is a seasoned American politician. Born in Caribou, Maine, she comes from a family with deep roots in public service. Before entering the Senate, Collins worked in both Maine state government and as a Congressional aide, which prepared her for her long and successful career in the U.S. Senate. Elected in 1996, she became the senior senator for Maine in 1997 and has remained a fixture in Washington ever since.
Collins has been praised for her bipartisan approach, particularly in a deeply divided political environment. She often serves as a swing vote in closely contested issues, earning her the nickname "the most moderate Republican senator." Over the years, Collins has built a reputation for prioritizing the interests of her state while also making tough decisions on national issues, including healthcare reform and national security.
Susan Collins’ Political Career and Legislative Impact
Over the years, Maine Senator Susan Collins has established herself as a force in the Senate, with a career that spans nearly three decades. As a member of the Republican Party, she has maintained a moderate stance on many issues, often aligning with Democrats on social issues, such as supporting abortion rights and opposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare. She has also advocated for policies that promote Maine’s economy, including supporting small businesses and securing federal funding for the state’s infrastructure projects.
Collins is known for her significant roles on key Senate committees. She has chaired the Senate Special Committee on Aging and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, positions that allowed her to shape national security policies and work on legislation that affects the elderly and vulnerable populations in the U.S. She has also been involved in efforts to address the opioid crisis, a growing issue in Maine and across the nation.
Susan Collins’ Election History
Susan Collins Election history is notable for its success and resilience. Since first elected in 1996, Collins has consistently won reelection, even in competitive races. The 2020 election was one of her toughest, drawing national attention as it became one of the most expensive races in Maine’s history. Collins faced intense opposition due to her support for some of former President Donald Trump’s policies. Despite the pressure, she successfully retained her seat, securing a fifth term in office.
Susan Collins and Donald Trump
The relationship between Susan Collins and Donald Trump has been a topic of much debate over the years. While Collins has often publicly criticized Trump, particularly during the 2016 election, she has also voted in favor of several of his policies. One of the most prominent examples of her support for Trump was her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, despite widespread protests. However, she opposed Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, citing concerns about the timing of the nomination just before the presidential election.
Throughout her tenure, Collins has been seen as someone who values her independence, often voting based on her principles rather than strictly following party lines.
Is Susan Collins Retiring?
As of 2024, there are no official announcements regarding Susan Collins retiring from the Senate. At 71 years old, she continues to serve her constituents in Maine and has shown no signs of stepping down. While there has been speculation about whether she will seek another term, her decision is still unclear. If she does decide to run for reelection, her next race will be in 2026.
When is Susan Collins Up for Reelection?
Susan Collins’ next reelection will occur in November 2026, after her most recent victory in 2020. Unless she chooses to retire before then, she will continue to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate. Her tenure in the Senate has spanned multiple decades, and her ability to appeal to voters from both parties could play a significant role in her reelection campaign.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Susan Margaret Collins |
| Born | December 7, 1952, Caribou, Maine |
| Senate Service | Elected to U.S. Senate in 1996, serving Maine since 1997 |
| Age | 71 years old (as of 2024) |
| Notable Roles | Chair of Senate Special Committee on Aging, Homeland Security |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Reelection Year | Up for reelection in 2026 |
| Public Stance | Known for moderate views and bipartisan approach |
Susan Collins’ Impact on Maine and National Politics
As the senior senator from Maine, Susan Collins has become a voice for her state, advocating for Maine’s interests in Washington. She has focused much of her work on issues that impact everyday people in Maine, including healthcare, job creation, and support for the state’s elderly population. Her position on various committees has allowed her to influence policies on a national level, particularly in areas related to aging, national security, and government efficiency.
Her role in key Senate votes, especially those involving controversial issues, has cemented her as a pivotal figure in national politics. Collins’ ability to collaborate across party lines has made her a respected figure, though it has also earned her both praise and criticism, particularly from her party’s more conservative factions.
FAQ
Who is Susan Collins?
Susan Collins is the senior U.S. senator from Maine, known for her moderate Republican views. She has served in the Senate since 1997 and is one of the longest-serving members of Congress from Maine.
How old is Susan Collins?
Susan Collins was born on December 7, 1952, which makes her 71 years old as of 2024.
Is Susan Collins retiring?
As of now, Susan Collins has not announced any plans to retire. She continues to serve in the U.S. Senate and is expected to run for reelection in 2026.
When is Susan Collins up for reelection?
Susan Collins’ next reelection will be in November 2026, following her 2020 election victory.
What is Susan Collins’ relationship with Donald Trump?
Susan Collins has had a complex relationship with former President Donald Trump. While she has opposed some of his policies, such as his second Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, she also supported others, including the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh.
What is Susan Collins known for?
Susan Collins is known for her moderate stance and ability to work across party lines. She has been involved in significant legislative decisions related to healthcare, national security, and the welfare of seniors.