Susan Collins Biography
Susan Margaret Collins is the senior United States Senator from Maine and a leading Republican lawmaker in Washington. She was born on December 7, 1952, in Caribou, Maine where her family taught her strong community values.
After high school, she earned a B.A. in government from St. Lawrence University magna cum laude. Early in her career, she worked for U.S. Representative Bill Cohen and then joined state government roles.
Collins was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and has served continuously since January 3, 1997. She is Maine’s longest‑serving member of Congress and the longest‑serving Republican woman in the Senate.
Known as a moderate Republican, she often supports bipartisan solutions and works across party lines. She has backed votes on health care reform, small business support, and bipartisan infrastructure bills.
Since 2025, Collins has served as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a powerful position that directs federal spending. In 2026, she launched her reelection campaign for a sixth Senate term, emphasizing her experience and independence.
Outside the Senate, she lives in Bangor, Maine, with her husband, Thomas Daffron, and their dog. Her career highlights reflect leadership, bipartisan cooperation, and deep service to Maine.
Susan Collins Age : How Old Is Maine’s Senior Senator?
Susan Collins was born on December 7, 1952, in Caribou, Maine, making her 73 years old in 2026. She will turn 74 in December 2026. Despite her age, she continues to serve as Maine’s senior U.S. Senator, showcasing decades of political experience, leadership, and dedication to her state.
Susan Collins Height
How tall is Susan Collins?
Susan Collins stands about 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, giving her a confident presence in public and on television. Her height contributes to her poised appearance during speeches and debates on Capitol Hill. Besides her stature, she is known as Maine’s senior Republican U.S. Senator with decades of experience.
Susan Collins Spouse | Husband
Susan Collins married Thomas A. Daffron on August 11, 2012 in Caribou, Maine. He once served as chief of staff for U.S. Representative Bill Cohen, where Collins also worked early in her career. Daffron later became a lobbyist and consultant in Washington, D.C., helping businesses and political organizations. Together, Collins and Daffron make their home in Bangor, Maine with their beloved black lab, Pepper. Importantly, Daffron’s career in politics and consulting complements Collins’s long service as Maine’s senior U.S. Senator. While she focuses on public policy, leadership, and bipartisan work, Daffron supports her work and represents a key part of her personal life.
Susan Collins Children
Susan Collins does not have any children. She and her husband, Thomas Daffron, chose not to start a family. However, she remains deeply committed to children’s welfare policies through her work in the U.S. Senate. For example, she supports programs focused on child health care, education, and family support. Although she has no children of her own, she often advocates for policies that benefit families and young people across Maine and the United States.
Susan Collins Parents
Susan Collins grew up in Caribou, Maine, with strong family roots in public service. Her father, Donald “Don” Collins, was a World War II veteran and served multiple terms in the Maine Legislature. He also served as mayor of Caribou alongside his wife. Her mother, Patricia “Pat” Collins, also served as Caribou’s mayor and worked on local boards and commissions. Together, they raised six children and taught Susan the value of hard work, leadership, and community service from a young age.
Susan Collins Education and Academic Background
Susan Collins graduated from Caribou High School in 1971, where she served as student council president. There, she also participated in the U.S. Senate Youth Program. Next, she attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, and earned a B.A. in government, magna cum laude, in 1975. While at St. Lawrence, she was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society for academic achievement. Her strong education prepared her for a lifelong career in public service and U.S. politics.
Susan Collins Party
Susan Collins is a member of the Republican Party and represents Maine in the U.S. Senate. She has served as a Republican U.S. Senator since 1997. Collins identifies as a moderate Republican and often supports bipartisan policies. She sometimes votes independently of her party to address Maine voters’ concerns. Despite occasional disagreements with national GOP positions, she remains committed to her Republican Party affiliation and continues her 2026 reelection campaign as the party’s presumptive nominee.
Susan Collins Policies and Key Positions
Susan Collins supports bipartisan policies and works with both parties to address national issues. She champions small business growth, workforce training, and economic development for Maine. She leads on health care research funding, Alzheimer’s support, and diabetes programs. Collins backs infrastructure investment and rural broadband expansion. On social issues, she has supported LGBTQ rights and background checks while opposing high‑capacity magazine bans. She also focuses on national security and election cybersecurity efforts in the Senate.
Susan Collins 2026 USA Elections: Maine Senate Race & Reelection Bid
Susan Collins officially announced her 2026 reelection campaign for the U.S. Senate on February 10, 2026 as she seeks a sixth term representing Maine. She remains the presumptive Republican nominee following primary qualifying. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026, with Democrats Janet Mills and Graham Platner among potential challengers. Because Maine voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024, this race draws national attention as a key 2026 Senate battleground. Collins’s campaign highlights her experience and bipartisan leadership, aiming to continue her service despite a competitive environment. Polls suggest a tight race, making this election one to follow closely.
Susan Collins Salary: U.S. Senator Pay and Benefits
Susan Collins earns the standard U.S. Senator salary of about $174,000 per year, the same base pay set for all senators. This salary reflects her role as a Republican U.S. Senator from Maine and her decades of national service. In addition to her salary, she receives benefits like health insurance, office funding, and retirement benefits as part of her congressional compensation package.
Susan Collins Net Worth
Susan Collins has an estimated net worth of $6–8 million as of 2026. Her wealth comes from decades of service as Maine’s senior U.S. Senator, along with investments and real estate holdings. Collins owns properties in Maine and maintains a diversified investment portfolio. Despite her financial success, she continues to focus on public service and bipartisan leadership.
