Susan Collins Then and Now

Susan Collins Then

Susan Collins, born on December 7, 1952, in Caribou, Maine, has deep roots in her hometown, where her family has been established in the lumber business since 1844. 

The business was founded by her great-great-great-grandfather, Samuel W. Collins, and has been a significant part of the family’s legacy. 

Growing up in a politically engaged family, Susan was influenced by her parents, Patricia and Donald Collins, who both served as mayors of Caribou. 

Her father, a decorated World War II veteran, also made his mark in the Maine Legislature, serving one term in the House and four in the Senate. 

This environment of public service and community involvement shaped Collins’ understanding of politics and civic duty from a young age.

Collins’ heritage reflects a diverse background, with English and Irish ancestry, as well as a familial connection to Colombian roots through her mother, Patricia. 

Her uncle, Samuel W. Collins Jr., further exemplified the family’s commitment to public service, having served on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and in the Maine Senate. 

These family connections provided Collins with a strong foundation in both governance and community leadership, inspiring her to pursue a career in politics.

An accomplished student, Collins attended Caribou High School, where she made her mark as president of the student council. 

This leadership role foreshadowed her future in politics, particularly when she was selected for the U.S. Senate Youth Program during her senior year. 

This opportunity allowed her to visit Washington, D.C., for the first time and engage in a meaningful conversation with Margaret Chase Smith, Maine’s first female United States Senator. 

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Collins’ experience in the program not only deepened her interest in public service but also marked her as the first program delegate to be elected to the Senate, occupying a seat once held by Smith.

Continuing her academic journey, Collins attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where she distinguished herself by graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in government in 1975. 

Her academic excellence led to her election into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national academic honor society, reflecting her commitment to scholarship and civic engagement. 

Collins’ educational and personal background laid the groundwork for her subsequent political career, enabling her to become a significant figure in American politics and a voice for her constituents in Maine.

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Susan Collins’ Political Career

Susan Collins’ political career has been marked by a series of influential roles and a commitment to public service that began shortly after her graduation from St. Lawrence University. 

From 1975 to 1987, she served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Representative and later U.S. Senator William Cohen, where she gained invaluable experience in navigating the complexities of federal legislation. 

Her expertise in government management was further solidified when she became the staff director for the Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 

This role allowed her to focus on crucial issues related to governmental efficiency and accountability during a significant period in American political history.

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In 1987, Collins transitioned to state government, joining the cabinet of Governor John R. McKernan Jr. as Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. 

This position enabled her to influence policy directly in Maine, and she later served as the New England regional director for the Small Business Administration under President George H. W. Bush. 

Her time in this role helped her build a network of contacts and deepen her understanding of small business issues, which would later inform her legislative priorities.

Collins’ political ambitions became evident when she returned to Maine and entered the 1994 gubernatorial race, becoming the first woman nominated by a major party for governor of the state. 

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Although she did not win the election, this bid marked a significant milestone in her career and showcased her determination to break barriers for women in politics. 

Following this campaign, she became the founding executive director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson College, where she continued to engage with the business community and advocate for small businesses in Maine.

Her entry into the U.S. Senate came in 1996 when she successfully won the seat vacated by her former boss, William Cohen. 

With Cohen’s endorsement, Collins navigated a challenging primary and emerged victorious against her opponent, Joseph E. Brennan. 

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Upon her election, she made a pledge to serve only two terms, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and a desire to focus on meaningful governance. 

Her subsequent reelections in 2002, 2008, and 2014 highlighted her popularity in Maine, as she consistently garnered support from voters across the state.

Collins’ political identity has evolved into that of a centrist Republican, often seen as one of the last moderate voices in her party. 

She has been recognized for her willingness to break with party lines on various issues, particularly in support of LGBTQ rights and healthcare. 

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Her voting record during impeachment trials and her stance on Supreme Court nominations further illustrate her independent approach to governance. 

Notably, she was the only Republican senator to oppose the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020 and was one of the few Republicans to vote to convict Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial.

Throughout her career, Collins has maintained a focus on bipartisanship and collaboration, earning her respect across party lines. 

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Her reelection campaign in 2020 exemplified her resilience, as she faced a well-funded challenge from Democratic State House Speaker Sara Gideon. 

Despite significant national attention and polling disadvantages, Collins secured a decisive victory, reaffirming her status as a key figure in Maine politics and a prominent voice in the U.S. Senate. 

Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and advocate for her constituents continues to define her legacy in American politics.

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Susan Collins’ Personal Life

Susan Collins is married to Thomas Daffron, a seasoned lobbyist with a notable career, having served as the chief operating officer at Jefferson Consulting Group in Washington, D.C., from 2006 to 2016. 

Daffron has played a significant role in supporting Collins’ political endeavors, having consulted on her Senate campaigns in 1996, 2002, and 2008. 

Their professional partnership reflects a deep understanding of the political landscape and the importance of strategic planning in campaign management. 

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The couple wed on August 11, 2012, in a ceremony held at the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in Caribou, Maine, underscoring their connection to Collins’ home state. 

Collins, who identifies as Roman Catholic, has often spoken about the values instilled in her by her faith, which have influenced her personal and political life. 

Together, Collins and Daffron represent a union of shared values and commitment to public service, further highlighting the importance of collaboration in both personal and professional spheres.

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Susan Collins Now

Susan Collins, currently 71 years old, has been a prominent figure in American politics as the senior United States senator from Maine since 1997. 

A member of the Republican Party, she holds the distinction of being Maine’s longest-serving member of Congress, reflecting her sustained influence and connection with her constituents over the years. 

Born and raised in Caribou, Maine, Collins pursued her education at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where she earned her degree in government, laying the foundation for her future career in public service.

Throughout her tenure in the Senate, Collins has established herself as a centrist Republican, known for her willingness to cross party lines on key issues. 

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This moderate approach has allowed her to maintain a strong following in Maine, where she has consistently won reelection by appealing to a broad base of voters. 

Collins’ political career has been marked by a commitment to bipartisanship and collaboration, often engaging with colleagues from both parties to address pressing legislative challenges.

A significant moment in Collins’ career came during the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, where she was one of only seven Republican senators to vote to convict him for incitement of insurrection. 

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This vote highlighted her independence and willingness to hold the executive branch accountable, reinforcing her reputation as a principled politician. 

Collins’ decision to break with party lines on such a contentious issue underscores her dedication to upholding democratic values and her commitment to representing the interests of her constituents, even in the face of partisan pressure. 

As she continues her service in the Senate, Collins remains a vital voice in American politics, navigating the complexities of governance while advocating for the people of Maine.

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