List of current United States senators facts for kids
The United States Senate is an important part of the U.S. government. It has 100 members, with two from each of the 50 states. These members are called senators. This article lists the senators who are currently serving in the 118th United States Congress.
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Political Parties in the Senate
Senators usually belong to one of the two main political parties: the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. Sometimes, a senator might be an Independent. This means they don't belong to a major party.
Here's how the Senate is made up by party:
| Group | Number of Senators | |
|---|---|---|
| Republican Party | 49 | |
| Democratic Party | 48 | |
| Independent | 3 | |
| Total | 100 | |
Two independent senators, Angus King from Maine and Bernie Sanders from Vermont, often work with the Democratic Party. Another independent senator, Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona, also works with the Democrats for committee tasks.
Senate Leaders
The Senate has leaders who help guide its work. These leaders are chosen by their fellow senators.
Presiding Officers
These are the people who lead the Senate meetings.
| Role | Party | Officer | State | Started Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President of the Senate | Democratic | Kamala Harris | CA | 2021 |
| President pro tempore | Democratic | Patty Murray | WA | 2023 |
The President of the Senate is also the Vice President of the United States. The President pro tempore is a senator chosen to lead when the Vice President is not there.
Majority Leadership
These are the leaders of the party with the most senators (the "majority" party).
| Role | Officer | State | Started Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Majority Leader Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus |
Chuck Schumer | NY | 2021 |
| Senate Majority Whip | Dick Durbin | IL | 2021 |
| Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee | Debbie Stabenow | MI | 2017 |
| Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering Committee | Amy Klobuchar | MN | 2017 |
| Vice Chairs of the Senate Democratic Caucus | Mark Warner | VA | 2017 |
| Elizabeth Warren | MA | 2017 | |
| Chair of Senate Democratic Outreach | Bernie Sanders | VT | 2017 |
| Vice Chairs of the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee | Cory Booker | NJ | 2021 |
| Joe Manchin | WV | 2017 | |
| Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus | Tammy Baldwin | WI | 2017 |
| Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee | Gary Peters | MI | 2021 |
| Vice Chair of Senate Democratic Outreach | Catherine Cortez Masto | NV | 2021 |
| Deputy Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus | Brian Schatz | HI | 2023 |
| Senate Democratic Chief Deputy Whip | Jeff Merkley | OR | 2017 |
Minority Leadership
These are the leaders of the party with the second-highest number of senators (the "minority" party).
| Role | Officer | State | Started Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Minority Leader | Mitch McConnell | KY | 2021 |
| Senate Minority Whip | John Thune | SD | 2021 |
| Chair of the Senate Republican Conference | John Barrasso | WY | 2019 |
| Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee | Joni Ernst | IA | 2023 |
| Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference | Shelley Moore Capito | WV | 2023 |
| Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee | Steve Daines | MT | 2023 |
| Chair of the Senate Republican Steering Committee | Mike Lee | UT | 2015 |
| Senate Republican Chief Deputy Whip | Mike Crapo | ID | 2013 |
| President pro tempore emeritus | Chuck Grassley | IA | 2021 |
Senators from Each State
Each of the 50 U.S. states has two senators. They are elected by the people of their state to represent them in the Senate. Senators serve six-year terms. Their terms are staggered, meaning not all senators are up for election at the same time. This helps keep the Senate stable.
Senators work on important issues for their states and the country. They vote on new laws, approve treaties, and confirm important government officials. You can find a full list of all current senators and more details about them on the official U.S. Senate website or in other detailed government resources.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Senadores de los Estados Unidos para niños
- Seniority in the United States Senate
- List of current members of the United States House of Representatives
- List of members of the United States Congress by longevity of service
- List of United States Senate committees
- List of United States congressional joint committees
- Religious affiliation in the United States Senate
- Shadow congressperson
