Time flies. It really does. One minute you’re looking at a fresh-faced senator from Caribou, and the next, she’s the dean of the Maine delegation and a fixture on every Sunday morning news program. If you've been following the news lately, you've probably wondered about the mileage on Maine's senior senator.
Honestly, the answer isn’t a mystery, but the context matters. As of right now, in January 2026, Susan Collins is 73 years old.
She was born on December 7, 1952. Think about that for a second. That's the post-WWII era, a time when her family’s sixth-generation lumber business was already a century old. Growing up in Aroostook County—way up north where the winters aren't just cold, they're a lifestyle—shaped a lot of that "Maine work ethic" she’s always talking about.
How Old Is Susan Collins Compared to the Rest of the Senate?
In the grand scheme of the U.S. Senate, 73 is actually... kinda middle-of-the-pack?
The Senate has always been an "older" institution. We’ve seen senators serving well into their late 80s and even 90s. While some folks are calling for term limits or younger blood, Collins is currently navigating her fifth term with a level of seniority that gives her massive leverage. Specifically, she's currently serving as the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. That’s basically the group that controls the purse strings for the entire federal government.
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You don't get that job by being the new kid on the block.
Why her age is becoming a 2026 talking point
With the 2026 midterm elections looming, the question of how old is Susan Collins isn't just about a birthdate. It’s a political weapon. Her critics point to her long tenure—she's been in the Senate since 1997—as a sign that she’s out of touch. Her supporters, meanwhile, argue that her three decades of experience are exactly what Maine needs to keep its influence in Washington.
- The 1996 Election: She first won her seat succeeding William Cohen.
- The 2020 Historic Win: She became the first Republican woman to win a fifth term.
- The 2026 Horizon: She’s eyeing a historic sixth term.
If she runs and wins in 2026, she’ll be 74 on election day and 80 by the time that term ends. For some voters, that’s a non-issue. For others, it’s the only thing they want to talk about.
The "Invisible" Susan Collins: A Quick Fact Check
Interestingly, there's another Susan Collins you might stumble across if you're Googling.
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Don't confuse the Senator with Susan M. Collins, the economist and President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. That Susan Collins is a bit younger (born around 1958 or 1959) and is the first African American woman to lead a regional Fed bank. Different world, different job, same name.
Our Senator Susan Collins—the one from Maine—is the one with the legendary voting record. Basically, she hasn't missed a single roll-call vote since she was sworn in. That’s over 9,000 consecutive votes. Whether you like her politics or not, you have to admit: the woman shows up for work.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
People often assume she’s just been a politician forever. That’s not quite right. Before the Senate, she worked in the Small Business Administration under George H.W. Bush and even ran a center for family businesses at Husson University.
She also had a pretty big "failure" early on. In 1994, she ran for Governor of Maine and came in third. Most people would have quit right then. Instead, she pivoted to the Senate race two years later and the rest is history.
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Does seniority actually help Maine?
Here is the thing. Being 73 and having 29 years in the Senate means she knows where all the bodies are buried—politically speaking. As the Chair of Appropriations, she can direct funding to Maine bridge projects, rural hospitals, and the state's blueberry and lobster industries in a way a freshman senator simply couldn't.
But there's a flip side. Being "senior" means you're tied to your past votes. Whether it’s her vote on Brett Kavanaugh or her stance on the Affordable Care Act, her long history is a double-edged sword.
Actionable Insights for Maine Voters
If you're trying to figure out if age and tenure should influence your vote in the upcoming cycle, here are a few ways to look at it:
- Check the Appropriations: Look at the specific federal grants Maine has received in the last two years. That is the direct result of her seniority.
- Monitor the Voting Record: Watch if she maintains that perfect attendance. At 73, health and stamina are always factors, though she hasn't shown signs of slowing down yet.
- Compare the Field: When the 2026 challengers fully emerge (rumors about Governor Janet Mills running are everywhere), compare their policy experience against Collins’ legislative "muscle."
Ultimately, Susan Collins is 73, but in the halls of the Capitol, she's treated like a powerhouse. Whether that power is used for the "right" things is what Mainers will have to decide very soon.
To stay informed, you can track her latest floor speeches and committee assignments directly through the official Senate website or local Maine news outlets like the Bangor Daily News, which keeps a tight tab on her 2026 reelection prospects.