For how many years do we elect a U.S. Senator?

U.S. Senators serve a term of six years, which is established by the U.S. Constitution. This longer term compared to other elected officials allows Senators to work on a broader range of issues and to develop expertise in legislative processes without the immediate pressure of re-election every two years. Unlike members of the House of Representatives, who serve two-year terms, a six-year term for Senators provides more stability in the Senate and encourages continuity in governance. The Senate's staggered election system, with only about one-third of Senators up for election every two years, further reinforces this stability. This structure is designed to promote thoughtful legislation and allows Senators the time required to develop relationships and consensus across party lines.