What does a U.S. senator do?
A senator represents an entire state in the U.S. Senate and exercises power through the Senate’s votes, committees, and procedures.
New to this? Start with these words.
- Office
- A public role with responsibilities and limits.
- Officeholder
- The person who currently holds that role.
- Constituents
- The people an elected official represents.
Learn at your own pace. Browse the plain-language glossary →
StatewideWho the office represents
6 yearsRegular term
Public electionChosen by voters in the state
Responsibilities
- Introduce, debate, and vote on federal legislation.
- Vote on federal spending and taxes.
- Consider presidential nominees, including federal judges.
- Oversee federal agencies through committees and hearings.
- Help constituents navigate federal agencies.
Limits
- One senator cannot enact a federal law alone.
- Most legislation must pass both the Senate and the House.
- A senator does not run state government or local departments.
- A senator cannot direct a court to decide an individual case.
Who can hold the office?
A senator must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and live in the state they represent when elected.
The seat has its own election schedule.
The regular term is six years. A seat’s class determines which years it is scheduled for election. A vacancy or special election can affect how a particular term is filled.
Compare federal election cycles →
Check your understanding
Whom does a U.S. senator represent?
Connect the office to your state.
Each state has two Senate seats with different regular election cycles. Choose a state to explore its seats and current officeholders.
Find a state’s Senate seats →- The U.S. Senate · U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
- Senate powers and procedures · U.S. Senate
- Qualifications and terms of service · U.S. Senate
Reviewed October 19, 2026. How this guide is researched.