Full Breakdown
Sen. Susan Collins Reaches 10,000 Consecutive Senate Votes
6/6/2026, 5:18:28 AM
Milestone Vote
On June 4, 2026, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) cast her 10,000th consecutive roll-call vote, supporting a Democratic motion to send the $70 billion budget-reconciliation package back to the Judiciary Committee with a Medicaid-loss investigation provision. Collins voted “aye” while wearing a red dress under a blue blazer, prompting applause and a brief standing ovation.
Context & Record
Collins entered the Senate on Jan 3, 1997, and has never missed a vote. Her streak now surpasses the longest record measured from a senator’s first vote, previously held by William Proxmire (D-Wis.) at 10,252 votes. Comparisons have been drawn to Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball durability and to former Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s 2,941-vote run. A win in the 2026 election would let Collins pursue the all-time consecutive-vote record early next year.
Reactions & Official Statements
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) praised the “tangible marker” of Collins’s commitment to Mainers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the streak “extraordinary” despite partisan differences. Independent Senator Angus King (I-ME) called it “a truly remarkable achievement” reflecting Collins’s character. Collins’s office linked the milestone to Maine’s work ethic and her Aroostook County upbringing, framing it as evidence of steadfast representation rather than partisan triumph.
Data
Collins’s streak totals 10,000 votes since 1997, surpassing William Proxmire’s 10,252-vote record. The vote concerned a $70 billion reconciliation package. Her re-election bid is the only Republican Senate race in a state Trump lost in 2024, making the seat pivotal for Senate control.
Why It Matters
The milestone underscores Collins’s reputation for reliability, a trait she highlights in campaign messaging. It also contrasts with Democratic challenger Graham Platner, whose campaign faces scrutiny over alleged toxic relationships and inappropriate communications. The vote, amid a contentious budget-reconciliation debate, shows Collins’s willingness to cross party lines on specific provisions.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics say Collins’s unbroken voting record masks alignment with establishment policies, citing her 2002 vote authorizing the Iraq war and her 2018 support for Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Opponents also note her Appropriations Chair role, suggesting personal wealth growth from insider status.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sen. Collins and I belong to different parties and do not always see eye to eye, but 10,000 consecutive roll call votes is an extraordinary streak by any measure and I congratulate her on reaching it,” — Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader
- “Mainers work hard and they deserve a Senator who works hard for them,” — Susan Collins, Senator
- “a truly remarkable achievement that reflects her character and dedication to the people of this country.” — Angus King, Independent Senator
- “No matter the topic, I can count on this: Susan will be here, she will vote with intelligence and integrity, and she will be doing it for the people of Maine.” — Bill Barrasso, Republican Whip
What’s Next
Collins faces a June 11 Democratic primary against Graham Platner and a November general election that could determine Senate control. A victory would let her continue the streak and potentially break the all-time record.
