Seniority in the United States Senate - wikipedia Seniority in the United States Senate Jump to : navigation , search This article is part of a series on the United States Senate History of the United States Senate Members Current members ( by seniority by class ) Former members Hill committees ( DSCC NRSC ) United States Vice President ( list ) President Pro Tempore ( list ) Presiding officer Party leaders Party leadership of the United States Senate Democratic Caucus Republican Conference Politics and procedure Advice and consent Blue slip Closed session ( list ) Cloture Committees ( list ) Executive session Morning business Filibuster Nuclear option Recess appointment Quorum Quorum call Salaries Saxbe fix Seal Holds Senatorial courtesy Standing Rules Traditions Unanimous consent Vice Presidents ' tie - breaking votes Places United States Capitol Senate chamber Senate Reception Room Senate office buildings ( Dirksen Hart Russell ) Seniority in the United States Senate is valuable as it confers a number of benefits and is based on length of continuous service , with ties broken by a series of factors . Customarily , the terms `` senior senator '' and `` junior senator '' are used to distinguish the two senators representing a particular state . Contents ( hide ) 1 Benefits of seniority 2 Determining the beginning of a term 3 Determining length of seniority 4 Current seniority list 5 See also 6 Notes 7 References Benefits of seniority ( edit ) The United States Constitution does not mandate differences in rights or power , but Senate rules give more power to senators with more seniority . Generally , senior senators will have more power , especially within their own caucuses . In addition , by custom , senior senators from the president 's party control federal patronage appointments in their states . The president pro tempore of the Senate is traditionally the most senior member of the majority party . There are several benefits , including the following : Senators are given preferential treatment in choosing committee assignments based on seniority . Seniority on a committee is based on length of time serving on that committee , which means a senator may rank above another in committee seniority but be more junior in the full Senate . Although the committee chairmanship is an elected position , it is traditionally given to the most senior senator of the majority party serving on the committee , and not already holding a conflicting position such as chairmanship of another committee . The ranking member of a committee ( called the vice-chairman in some select committees ) is elected in the same way . Greater seniority enables a senator to choose a desk closer to the front of the Senate Chamber . Senators with higher seniority may choose to move into better office space as those offices are vacated . Seniority determines the ranking in the United States order of precedence although other factors , such as being a former President or First Spouse , can place an individual higher in the order of precedence . Determining the beginning of a term ( edit ) The beginning of an appointment does not necessarily coincide with the date the Senate convenes or when the new Senator is sworn in . In the case of Senators first elected in a general election for the upcoming Congress , their terms begin on the first day of the new Congress . Since 1935 , that means January 3 of odd - numbered years . The seniority date for an appointed senator is usually the date of the appointment , although the actual term does not begin until they take the oath of office . An incoming Senator who holds another office , including membership in the U.S. House of Representatives , must resign from that office before becoming a Senator . Determining length of seniority ( edit ) A senator 's seniority is primarily determined by length of continuous service ; for example , a senator who has served for 12 years is more senior than one who has served for 10 years . Because several new senators usually join at the beginning of a new Congress , seniority is determined by prior federal or state government service . These tiebreakers in order are : Former Senator Former Vice President Former House member Former Cabinet secretary Former state Governor Population of state based on the most recent census when the senator took office Alphabetical by last name ( in case two senators came from the same state on the same day and have identical credentials ) When more than one senator has served in the same previous role , length of time in that prior office is used to break the tie . For instance , Ben Cardin , Bernie Sanders , Sherrod Brown , Bob Casey , Bob Corker , Claire McCaskill , Amy Klobuchar , Sheldon Whitehouse and Jon Tester took office on January 3 , 2007 , and the first three senators mentioned had previously served in the House of Representatives . Cardin , having served 20 years , is more senior than Sanders , who served 16 years , who in turn is more senior than Brown who served 14 years . Casey is more senior than Corker because as of the 2000 census , Pennsylvania 's population outranks that of Tennessee 's ; McCaskill is more senior than Klobuchar because Missouri 's population outranked that of Minnesota , and Klobuchar is more senior than Whitehouse because Minnesota 's population outranked Rhode Island 's population ; meanwhile , Tester 's home state of Montana had the least population among the freshmen class of 2006 , so he was ranked 100 in seniority when the 110th Congress convened . Current seniority list ( edit ) Only relevant factors are listed below . For senators whose seniority is based on their state 's respective population , the state population ranking is given as determined by the relevant United States Census current at the time they first took their seat . Republican R ( 51 ) Democratic D ( 47 ) Independent I ( 2 ) Current rank Historical rank Senator Party - State Seniority date First tie - breaker Second tie - breaker Committee and leadership positions 1692 Leahy , Patrick Patrick Leahy D -- Vermont January 3 , 1975 Ranking Member : Appropriations President pro tempore emeritus 1708 Hatch , Orrin Orrin Hatch R -- Utah January 3 , 1977 President pro tempore Chair : Finance 1719 Cochran , Thad Thad Cochran R -- Mississippi December 27 , 1978 Chair : Appropriations 1745 Grassley , Chuck Chuck Grassley R -- Iowa January 3 , 1981 Chair : Judiciary 5 1766 McConnell , Mitch Mitch McConnell R -- Kentucky January 3 , 1985 Majority Leader 6 1775 Shelby , Richard Richard Shelby R -- Alabama January 3 , 1987 Former Representative ( 8 years ) Chair : Rules 7 1777 McCain , John John McCain R -- Arizona Former Representative ( 4 years ) Chair : Armed Services 8 1801 Feinstein , Dianne Dianne Feinstein D -- California November 4 , 1992 Ranking Member : Judiciary 9 1810 Murray , Patty Patty Murray D -- Washington January 3 , 1993 Ranking Member : HELP Assistant Minority Leader 10 1816 Inhofe , Jim Jim Inhofe R -- Oklahoma November 16 , 1994 11 1827 Wyden , Ron Ron Wyden D -- Oregon February 6 , 1996 Ranking Member : Finance 12 1830 Roberts , Pat Pat Roberts R -- Kansas January 3 , 1997 Former Representative ( 16 years ) Chair : Agriculture 13 1831 Durbin , Dick Dick Durbin D -- Illinois Former Representative ( 14 years ) Minority Whip 14 1835 Reed , Jack Jack Reed D -- Rhode Island Former Representative ( 6 years ) Ranking Member : Armed Services 15 1842 Collins , Susan Susan Collins R -- Maine Maine 38th in population ( 1990 ) Chair : Aging 16 1843 Enzi , Mike Mike Enzi R -- Wyoming Wyoming 50th in population ( 1990 ) Chair : Budget 17 1844 Schumer , Chuck Chuck Schumer D -- New York January 3 , 1999 Former Representative ( 18 years ) Minority Leader 18 1846 Crapo , Mike Mike Crapo R -- Idaho Former Representative ( 6 years ) Chair : Banking 19 1854 Nelson , Bill Bill Nelson D -- Florida January 3 , 2001 Former Representative ( 12 years ) Ranking Member : Commerce 20 1855 Carper , Tom Tom Carper D -- Delaware Former Representative ( 10 years ) Ranking Member : Environment 21 1856 Stabenow , Debbie Debbie Stabenow D -- Michigan Former Representative ( 4 years ) Ranking Member : Agriculture Democratic Policy Committee Chair 22 1859 Cantwell , Maria Maria Cantwell D -- Washington Former Representative ( 2 years ) Ranking Member : Energy 23 1873 Murkowski , Lisa Lisa Murkowski R -- Alaska December 20 , 2002 Chair : Energy 24 1867 Graham , Lindsey Lindsey Graham R -- South Carolina January 3 , 2003 Former Representative 25 1869 Alexander , Lamar Lamar Alexander R -- Tennessee Former Cabinet member Chair : HELP 26 1871 Cornyn , John John Cornyn R -- Texas Majority Whip 27 1876 Burr , Richard Richard Burr R -- North Carolina January 3 , 2005 Former Representative ( 10 years ) Chair : Intelligence 28 1879 Thune , John John Thune R -- South Dakota Former Representative ( 6 years ) Chair : Commerce Republican Conference Chair 29 1880 Isakson , Johnny Johnny Isakson R -- Georgia Former Representative ( 5 yrs. , 10 mos . ) Chair : Veterans ' Affairs Chair : Ethics 30 1885 Menendez , Bob Bob Menendez D -- New Jersey January 17 , 2006 31 1886 Cardin , Ben Ben Cardin D -- Maryland January 3 , 2007 Former Representative ( 20 years ) Ranking Member : Foreign Relations 32 1887 Sanders , Bernie Bernie Sanders I -- Vermont Former Representative ( 16 years ) Ranking Member : Budget 33 1888 Brown , Sherrod Sherrod Brown D -- Ohio Former Representative ( 14 years ) Ranking Member : Banking 34 1890 Casey Jr. , Bob Bob Casey Jr . D -- Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 6th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Aging 35 1891 Corker , Bob Bob Corker R -- Tennessee Tennessee 16th in population ( 2000 ) Chair : Foreign Relations 36 1892 McCaskill , Claire Claire McCaskill D -- Missouri Missouri 17th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Homeland Security 37 1893 Klobuchar , Amy Amy Klobuchar D -- Minnesota Minnesota 21st in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Rules 38 1894 Whitehouse , Sheldon Sheldon Whitehouse D -- Rhode Island Rhode Island 43rd in population ( 2000 ) 39 1895 Tester , Jon Jon Tester D -- Montana Montana 44th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Veterans ' Affairs 40 1896 Barrasso , John John Barrasso R -- Wyoming June 22 , 2007 Chair : Environment Republican Policy Committee Chair 41 1897 Wicker , Roger Roger Wicker R -- Mississippi December 31 , 2007 42 1899 Udall , Tom Tom Udall D -- New Mexico January 3 , 2009 Former Representative Vice Chair : Indian Affairs 43 1901 Shaheen , Jeanne Jeanne Shaheen D -- New Hampshire Former Governor ( 6 years ) Ranking Member : Small Business 44 1902 Warner , Mark Mark Warner D -- Virginia Former Governor ( 4 years ) Vice Chair : Intelligence Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 45 1903 Risch , Jim Jim Risch R -- Idaho Former Governor ( 7 months ) Chair : Small Business 46 1905 Merkley , Jeff Jeff Merkley D -- Oregon 47 1909 Bennet , Michael Michael Bennet D -- Colorado January 21 , 2009 48 1910 Gillibrand , Kirsten Kirsten Gillibrand D -- New York January 26 , 2009 49 1916 Manchin , Joe Joe Manchin D -- West Virginia November 15 , 2010 Former Governor 50 1917 Coons , Chris Chris Coons D -- Delaware Vice Chair : Ethics 51 1919 Blunt , Roy Roy Blunt R -- Missouri January 3 , 2011 Former Representative ( 14 years ) Missouri 17th in population ( 2000 ) Republican Conference Vice Chair 52 1920 Moran , Jerry Jerry Moran R -- Kansas Kansas 33rd in population ( 2000 ) 53 1921 Portman , Rob Rob Portman R -- Ohio Former Representative ( 12 years ) 54 1922 Boozman , John John Boozman R -- Arkansas Former Representative ( 10 years ) 55 1923 Toomey , Pat Pat Toomey R -- Pennsylvania Former Representative ( 6 years ) 56 1924 Hoeven , John John Hoeven R -- North Dakota Former Governor Chair : Indian Affairs 57 1925 Rubio , Marco Marco Rubio R -- Florida Florida 4th in population ( 2000 ) 58 1926 Johnson , Ron Ron Johnson R -- Wisconsin Wisconsin 20th in population ( 2000 ) Chair : Homeland Security 59 1927 Paul , Rand Rand Paul R -- Kentucky Kentucky 25th in population ( 2000 ) 60 1928 Blumenthal , Richard Richard Blumenthal D -- Connecticut Connecticut 29th in population ( 2000 ) 61 1929 Lee , Mike Mike Lee R -- Utah Utah 34th in population ( 2000 ) 62 1931 Heller , Dean Dean Heller R -- Nevada May 9 , 2011 63 1932 Schatz , Brian Brian Schatz D -- Hawaii December 26 , 2012 64 1933 Scott , Tim Tim Scott R -- South Carolina January 2 , 2013 65 1934 Baldwin , Tammy Tammy Baldwin D -- Wisconsin January 3 , 2013 Former Representative ( 14 years ) Democratic Caucus Secretary 66 1935 Flake , Jeff Jeff Flake R -- Arizona Former Representative ( 12 years ) 67 1936 Donnelly , Joe Joe Donnelly D -- Indiana Former Representative ( 6 years ) Indiana 15th in population ( 2010 ) 68 1937 Murphy , Chris Chris Murphy D -- Connecticut Connecticut 29th in population ( 2010 ) 69 1938 Hirono , Mazie Mazie Hirono D -- Hawaii Hawaii 40th in population ( 2010 ) 70 1939 Heinrich , Martin Martin Heinrich D -- New Mexico Former Representative ( 4 years ) 71 1940 King , Angus Angus King I -- Maine Former Governor ( 8 years ) 72 1941 Kaine , Tim Tim Kaine D -- Virginia Former Governor ( 4 years ) 73 1942 Cruz , Ted Ted Cruz R -- Texas Texas 2nd in population ( 2010 ) 74 1943 Warren , Elizabeth Elizabeth Warren D -- Massachusetts Massachusetts 14th in population ( 2010 ) Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 75 1944 Fischer , Deb Deb Fischer R -- Nebraska Nebraska 38th in population ( 2010 ) 76 1945 Heitkamp , Heidi Heidi Heitkamp D -- North Dakota North Dakota 48th in population ( 2010 ) 77 1948 Markey , Ed Ed Markey D -- Massachusetts July 16 , 2013 78 1949 Booker , Cory Cory Booker D -- New Jersey October 31 , 2013 79 1951 Capito , Shelley Moore Shelley Moore Capito R -- West Virginia January 3 , 2015 Former Representative ( 14 years ) 80 1952 Peters , Gary Gary Peters D -- Michigan Former Representative ( 6 years ) Michigan 8th in population ( 2010 ) 81 1953 Cassidy , Bill Bill Cassidy R -- Louisiana Louisiana 25th in population ( 2010 ) 82 1954 Gardner , Cory Cory Gardner R -- Colorado Former Representative ( 4 years ) Colorado 22nd in population ( 2010 ) NRSC Chair 83 1955 Lankford , James James Lankford R -- Oklahoma Oklahoma 28th in population ( 2010 ) 84 1956 Cotton , Tom Tom Cotton R -- Arkansas Former Representative ( 2 years ) Arkansas 32nd in population ( 2010 ) 85 1957 Daines , Steve Steve Daines R -- Montana Montana 44th in population ( 2010 ) 86 1958 Rounds , Mike Mike Rounds R -- South Dakota Former Governor 87 1959 Perdue , David David Perdue R -- Georgia Georgia 9th in population ( 2010 ) 88 1960 Tillis , Thom Thom Tillis R -- North Carolina North Carolina 10th in population ( 2010 ) 89 1961 Ernst , Joni Joni Ernst R -- Iowa Iowa 30th in population ( 2010 ) 90 1962 Sasse , Ben Ben Sasse R -- Nebraska Nebraska 38th in population ( 2010 ) 91 1963 Sullivan , Dan Dan Sullivan R -- Alaska Alaska 47th in population ( 2010 ) 92 1964 Van Hollen , Chris Chris Van Hollen D -- Maryland January 3 , 2017 Former Representative ( 14 years ) DSCC Chair 93 1965 Young , Todd Todd Young R -- Indiana Former Representative ( 6 years ) 94 1966 Duckworth , Tammy Tammy Duckworth D -- Illinois Former Representative ( 4 years ) 95 1967 Hassan , Maggie Maggie Hassan D -- New Hampshire Former Governor 96 1968 Harris , Kamala Kamala Harris D -- California California 1st in population ( 2010 ) 97 1969 Kennedy , John Neely John Neely Kennedy R -- Louisiana Louisiana 25th in population ( 2010 ) 98 1970 Cortez Masto , Catherine Catherine Cortez Masto D -- Nevada Nevada 35th in population ( 2010 ) 99 1972 Smith , Tina Tina Smith D -- Minnesota January 3 , 2018 Minnesota 21st in population ( 2010 ) 100 1973 Jones , Doug Doug Jones D -- Alabama Alabama 23rd in population ( 2010 ) Rank Historical rank Senator Party - State Seniority date First tie - breaker Second tie - breaker Committee and leadership positions See also ( edit ) Current members of the United States Senate Seniority in the United States House of Representatives List of members of the United States Congress by longevity of service Notes ( edit ) ^ Jump up to : The seniority date for an appointed senator is the date of the appointment , not necessarily the date of taking the oath of office . See Determining the beginning of a term , above . Jump up ^ Richard Shelby 's 1994 party change did not break his service or seniority . Jump up ^ Maria Cantwell ( # 22 ) is the Senate 's most senior junior senator . Jump up ^ John Cornyn 's predecessor , Phil Gramm , resigned early , effective November 30 , 2002 , so that Senator - elect Cornyn could take office early , and move into Gramm 's office suite in order to begin organizing his staff . Cornyn did not , however , gain seniority , owing to a 1980 Rules Committee policy that no longer gave seniority to senators who entered Congress early for the purpose of gaining advantageous office space . Jump up ^ Although Sanders was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 2016 , and has voted with the Democratic Party for organizational purposes throughout his time in Congress , he has never been a Democratic Senator . Jump up ^ Bill Cassidy ( # 81 ) is the Senate 's most junior senior senator . References ( edit ) ^ Jump up to : `` Senators of the United States 1789 -- present , A chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789 '' ( PDF ) . Senate Historical Office . April 17 , 2015 . Retrieved August 8 , 2015 . Jump up ^ `` 1981 U.S Census Report '' ( PDF ) . Jump up ^ `` 1991 U.S Census Report '' ( PDF ) . Jump up ^ American FactFinder , United States Census Bureau . `` 2000 Census State Population Rankings '' . Factfinder.census.gov . Retrieved May 28 , 2010 . Jump up ^ `` Resident Population Data ( Text Version ) -- 2010 Census , by state and census region '' . Jump up ^ `` Historical rank '' refers to the Senator 's seniority over the entire history of the Senate since 1789 . This is an absolute number that does not change from one Congress to the next . ( hide ) Lists of United States Senators in Congress by seniority 1 ( 1789 ) 2 ( 1791 ) 3 ( 1793 ) 4 ( 1795 ) 5 ( 1797 ) 6 ( 1799 ) 7 ( 1801 ) 8 ( 1803 ) 9 ( 1805 ) 10 ( 1807 ) 11 ( 1809 ) 12 ( 1811 ) 13 ( 1813 ) 14 ( 1815 ) 15 ( 1817 ) 16 ( 1819 ) 17 ( 1821 ) 18 ( 1823 ) 19 ( 1825 ) 20 ( 1827 ) 21 ( 1829 ) 22 ( 1831 ) 23 ( 1833 ) 24 ( 1835 ) 25 ( 1837 ) 26 ( 1839 ) 27 ( 1841 ) 28 ( 1843 ) 29 ( 1845 ) 30 ( 1847 ) 31 ( 1849 ) 32 ( 1851 ) 33 ( 1853 ) 34 ( 1855 ) 35 ( 1857 ) 36 ( 1859 ) 37 ( 1861 ) 38 ( 1863 ) 39 ( 1865 ) 40 ( 1867 ) 41 ( 1869 ) 42 ( 1871 ) 43 ( 1873 ) 44 ( 1875 ) 45 ( 1877 ) 46 ( 1879 ) 47 ( 1881 ) 48 ( 1883 ) 49 ( 1885 ) 50 ( 1887 ) 51 ( 1889 ) 52 ( 1891 ) 53 ( 1893 ) 54 ( 1895 ) 55 ( 1897 ) 56 ( 1899 ) 57 ( 1901 ) 58 ( 1903 ) 59 ( 1905 ) 60 ( 1907 ) 61 ( 1909 ) 62 ( 1911 ) 63 ( 1913 ) 64 ( 1915 ) 65 ( 1917 ) 66 ( 1919 ) 67 ( 1921 ) 68 ( 1923 ) 69 ( 1925 ) 70 ( 1927 ) 71 ( 1929 ) 72 ( 1931 ) 73 ( 1933 ) 74 ( 1935 ) 75 ( 1937 ) 76 ( 1939 ) 77 ( 1941 ) 78 ( 1943 ) 79 ( 1945 ) 80 ( 1947 ) 81 ( 1949 ) 82 ( 1951 ) 83 ( 1953 ) 84 ( 1955 ) 85 ( 1957 ) 86 ( 1959 ) 87 ( 1961 ) 88 ( 1963 ) 89 ( 1965 ) 90 ( 1967 ) 91 ( 1969 ) 92 ( 1971 ) 93 ( 1973 ) 94 ( 1975 ) 95 ( 1977 ) 96 ( 1979 ) 97 ( 1981 ) 98 ( 1983 ) 99 ( 1985 ) 100 ( 1987 ) 101 ( 1989 ) 102 ( 1991 ) 103 ( 1993 ) 104 ( 1995 ) 105 ( 1997 ) 106 ( 1999 ) 107 ( 2001 ) 108 ( 2003 ) 109 ( 2005 ) 110 ( 2007 ) 111 ( 2009 ) 112 ( 2011 ) 113 ( 2013 ) 114 ( 2015 ) 115 ( 2017 ) Current United States Senate elections 1788 / 89 1790 / 91 1792 / 93 1794 / 95 1796 / 97 1798 / 99 1800 / 01 1802 / 03 1804 / 05 1806 / 07 1808 / 09 1810 / 11 1812 / 13 1814 / 15 1816 / 17 1818 / 19 1820 / 21 1822 / 23 1824 / 25 1826 / 27 1828 / 29 1830 / 31 1832 / 33 1834 / 35 1836 / 37 1838 / 39 1840 / 41 1842 / 43 1844 / 45 1846 / 47 1848 / 49 1850 / 51 1852 / 53 1854 / 55 1856 / 57 1858 / 59 1860 / 61 1862 / 63 1864 / 65 1866 / 67 1868 / 69 1870 / 71 1872 / 73 1874 / 75 1876 / 77 1878 / 79 1880 / 81 1882 / 83 1884 / 85 1886 / 87 1888 / 89 1890 / 91 1892 / 93 1894 / 95 1896 / 97 1898 / 99 1900 / 01 1902 / 03 1904 / 05 1906 / 07 1908 / 09 1910 / 11 1912 / 13 1914 / 15 1916 1918 1920 / 21 1922 / 23 1924 / 25 1926 1928 1930 / 31 1932 / 33 1934 1936 / 37 1938 1940 / 41 1942 1944 1946 / 47 1948 / 49 1950 1952 1954 1956 / 57 1958 / 59 1960 / 61 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 / 75 1976 1978 1980 1982 / 83 1984 1986 1990 / 91 1992 / 93 1998 2000 2002 2006 2008 2012 / 13 2014 2016 / 17 2018 2020 2022 Special elections Election disputes Results by state List of elections in the United States House elections Presidential elections Gubernatorial elections United States Congress House of Representatives Senate ( 114th ← 115th → 116th ) Lists of congressional lists Members and leaders Members Current By length of service Freshmen Youngest members Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Delegates Senate Current by seniority Dean of the Senate Former U.S. Senators living Earliest serving Earliest living Expelled or censured Classes Born outside the U.S. House Current by seniority Dean of the House Former U.S. Representatives living Oldest living Earliest serving Expelled , censured , and reprimanded Leaders Senate President ( list ) President pro tempore ( list ) Majority and minority leaders Assistant party leaders Democratic Caucus ( Chair Secretary Policy Committee Chair ) Republican Conference ( Chair Vice-Chair Policy Committee Chair ) House Speaker Leaders Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group Democratic Caucus Republican Conference Districts List Apportionment Caucuses , women and minorities Congressional caucus African Americans in the House Congressional Black Caucus African Americans in the Senate Arab and Middle - 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This article is part of a series on the United States Senate History of the United States Senate Members Current members ( by seniority by class ) Former members Hill committees ( DSCC NRSC ) United States Vice President ( list ) President Pro Tempore ( list ) Presiding officer Party leaders Party leadership of the United States Senate Democratic Caucus Republican Conference Politics and procedure Advice and consent Blue slip Closed session ( list ) Cloture Committees ( list ) Executive session Morning business Filibuster Nuclear option Recess appointment Quorum Quorum call Salaries Saxbe fix Seal Holds Senatorial courtesy Standing Rules Traditions Unanimous consent Vice Presidents ' tie - breaking votes Places United States Capitol Senate chamber Senate Reception Room Senate office buildings ( Dirksen Hart Russell ) This article is part of a series on the United States Senate History of the United States Senate Members Current members ( by seniority by class ) Former members Hill committees ( DSCC NRSC ) United States Vice President ( list ) President Pro Tempore ( list ) Presiding officer Party leaders Party leadership of the United States Senate Democratic Caucus Republican Conference Current members ( by seniority by class ) Former members Hill committees ( DSCC NRSC ) Current members ( by seniority by class ) ( by seniority by class ) ( by seniority by class ) Hill committees ( DSCC NRSC ) ( DSCC NRSC ) United States Vice President ( list ) President Pro Tempore ( list ) Presiding officer United States Vice President ( list ) President Pro Tempore ( list ) Party leaders Party leadership of the United States Senate Democratic Caucus Republican Conference Party leadership of the United States Senate Politics and procedure Advice and consent Blue slip Closed session ( list ) Cloture Committees ( list ) Executive session Morning business Filibuster Nuclear option Recess appointment Quorum Quorum call Salaries Saxbe fix Seal Holds Senatorial courtesy Standing Rules Traditions Unanimous consent Vice Presidents ' tie - breaking votes Advice and consent Blue slip Closed session ( list ) Cloture Committees ( list ) Executive session Morning business Filibuster Nuclear option Recess appointment Quorum Quorum call Salaries Saxbe fix Seal Holds Senatorial courtesy Standing Rules Traditions Unanimous consent Vice Presidents ' tie - breaking votes Advice and consent Closed session ( list ) Cloture Committees ( list ) Cloture Committees ( list ) Committees ( list ) Executive session Morning business Executive session Morning business Filibuster Nuclear option Filibuster Nuclear option Quorum Quorum call Salaries Quorum Quorum call Salaries Saxbe fix Seal Holds Saxbe fix Seal Holds Senatorial courtesy Standing Rules Senatorial courtesy Standing Rules Traditions Unanimous consent Traditions Unanimous consent Vice Presidents ' tie - breaking votes Places United States Capitol Senate chamber Senate Reception Room Senate office buildings ( Dirksen Hart Russell ) United States Capitol Senate chamber Senate Reception Room Senate office buildings ( Dirksen Hart Russell ) United States Capitol Senate Reception Room Senate office buildings ( Dirksen Hart Russell ) ( Dirksen Hart Russell ) Seniority in the United States Senate is valuable as it confers a number of benefits and is based on length of continuous service , with ties broken by a series of factors . Customarily , the terms `` senior senator '' and `` junior senator '' are used to distinguish the two senators representing a particular state . The United States Constitution does not mandate differences in rights or power , but Senate rules give more power to senators with more seniority . Generally , senior senators will have more power , especially within their own caucuses . In addition , by custom , senior senators from the president 's party control federal patronage appointments in their states . The president pro tempore of the Senate is traditionally the most senior member of the majority party . There are several benefits , including the following : Senators are given preferential treatment in choosing committee assignments based on seniority . Seniority on a committee is based on length of time serving on that committee , which means a senator may rank above another in committee seniority but be more junior in the full Senate . Although the committee chairmanship is an elected position , it is traditionally given to the most senior senator of the majority party serving on the committee , and not already holding a conflicting position such as chairmanship of another committee . The ranking member of a committee ( called the vice-chairman in some select committees ) is elected in the same way . Greater seniority enables a senator to choose a desk closer to the front of the Senate Chamber . Senators with higher seniority may choose to move into better office space as those offices are vacated . Seniority determines the ranking in the United States order of precedence although other factors , such as being a former President or First Spouse , can place an individual higher in the order of precedence . Senators are given preferential treatment in choosing committee assignments based on seniority . Seniority on a committee is based on length of time serving on that committee , which means a senator may rank above another in committee seniority but be more junior in the full Senate . Although the committee chairmanship is an elected position , it is traditionally given to the most senior senator of the majority party serving on the committee , and not already holding a conflicting position such as chairmanship of another committee . The ranking member of a committee ( called the vice-chairman in some select committees ) is elected in the same way . Greater seniority enables a senator to choose a desk closer to the front of the Senate Chamber . Senators with higher seniority may choose to move into better office space as those offices are vacated . Seniority determines the ranking in the United States order of precedence although other factors , such as being a former President or First Spouse , can place an individual higher in the order of precedence . The beginning of an appointment does not necessarily coincide with the date the Senate convenes or when the new Senator is sworn in . In the case of Senators first elected in a general election for the upcoming Congress , their terms begin on the first day of the new Congress . Since 1935 , that means January 3 of odd - numbered years . The seniority date for an appointed senator is usually the date of the appointment , although the actual term does not begin until they take the oath of office . An incoming Senator who holds another office , including membership in the U.S. House of Representatives , must resign from that office before becoming a Senator . A senator 's seniority is primarily determined by length of continuous service ; for example , a senator who has served for 12 years is more senior than one who has served for 10 years . Because several new senators usually join at the beginning of a new Congress , seniority is determined by prior federal or state government service . These tiebreakers in order are : Former Senator Former Vice President Former House member Former Cabinet secretary Former state Governor Population of state based on the most recent census when the senator took office Alphabetical by last name ( in case two senators came from the same state on the same day and have identical credentials ) Former Vice President Former House member Former Cabinet secretary Former state Governor Population of state based on the most recent census when the senator took office Alphabetical by last name ( in case two senators came from the same state on the same day and have identical credentials ) When more than one senator has served in the same previous role , length of time in that prior office is used to break the tie . For instance , Ben Cardin , Bernie Sanders , Sherrod Brown , Bob Casey , Bob Corker , Claire McCaskill , Amy Klobuchar , Sheldon Whitehouse and Jon Tester took office on January 3 , 2007 , and the first three senators mentioned had previously served in the House of Representatives . Cardin , having served 20 years , is more senior than Sanders , who served 16 years , who in turn is more senior than Brown who served 14 years . Casey is more senior than Corker because as of the 2000 census , Pennsylvania 's population outranks that of Tennessee 's ; McCaskill is more senior than Klobuchar because Missouri 's population outranked that of Minnesota , and Klobuchar is more senior than Whitehouse because Minnesota 's population outranked Rhode Island 's population ; meanwhile , Tester 's home state of Montana had the least population among the freshmen class of 2006 , so he was ranked 100 in seniority when the 110th Congress convened . Only relevant factors are listed below . For senators whose seniority is based on their state 's respective population , the state population ranking is given as determined by the relevant United States Census current at the time they first took their seat . Republican R ( 51 ) Democratic D ( 47 ) Independent I ( 2 ) Current rank Historical rank Senator Party - State Seniority date First tie - breaker Second tie - breaker Committee and leadership positions 1692 Leahy , Patrick Patrick Leahy D -- Vermont January 3 , 1975 Ranking Member : Appropriations President pro tempore emeritus 1708 Hatch , Orrin Orrin Hatch R -- Utah January 3 , 1977 President pro tempore Chair : Finance 1719 Cochran , Thad Thad Cochran R -- Mississippi December 27 , 1978 Chair : Appropriations 1745 Grassley , Chuck Chuck Grassley R -- Iowa January 3 , 1981 Chair : Judiciary 5 1766 McConnell , Mitch Mitch McConnell R -- Kentucky January 3 , 1985 Majority Leader 6 1775 Shelby , Richard Richard Shelby R -- Alabama January 3 , 1987 Former Representative ( 8 years ) Chair : Rules 7 1777 McCain , John John McCain R -- Arizona Former Representative ( 4 years ) Chair : Armed Services 8 1801 Feinstein , Dianne Dianne Feinstein D -- California November 4 , 1992 Ranking Member : Judiciary 9 1810 Murray , Patty Patty Murray D -- Washington January 3 , 1993 Ranking Member : HELP Assistant Minority Leader 10 1816 Inhofe , Jim Jim Inhofe R -- Oklahoma November 16 , 1994 11 1827 Wyden , Ron Ron Wyden D -- Oregon February 6 , 1996 Ranking Member : Finance 12 1830 Roberts , Pat Pat Roberts R -- Kansas January 3 , 1997 Former Representative ( 16 years ) Chair : Agriculture 13 1831 Durbin , Dick Dick Durbin D -- Illinois Former Representative ( 14 years ) Minority Whip 14 1835 Reed , Jack Jack Reed D -- Rhode Island Former Representative ( 6 years ) Ranking Member : Armed Services 15 1842 Collins , Susan Susan Collins R -- Maine Maine 38th in population ( 1990 ) Chair : Aging 16 1843 Enzi , Mike Mike Enzi R -- Wyoming Wyoming 50th in population ( 1990 ) Chair : Budget 17 1844 Schumer , Chuck Chuck Schumer D -- New York January 3 , 1999 Former Representative ( 18 years ) Minority Leader 18 1846 Crapo , Mike Mike Crapo R -- Idaho Former Representative ( 6 years ) Chair : Banking 19 1854 Nelson , Bill Bill Nelson D -- Florida January 3 , 2001 Former Representative ( 12 years ) Ranking Member : Commerce 20 1855 Carper , Tom Tom Carper D -- Delaware Former Representative ( 10 years ) Ranking Member : Environment 21 1856 Stabenow , Debbie Debbie Stabenow D -- Michigan Former Representative ( 4 years ) Ranking Member : Agriculture Democratic Policy Committee Chair 22 1859 Cantwell , Maria Maria Cantwell D -- Washington Former Representative ( 2 years ) Ranking Member : Energy 23 1873 Murkowski , Lisa Lisa Murkowski R -- Alaska December 20 , 2002 Chair : Energy 24 1867 Graham , Lindsey Lindsey Graham R -- South Carolina January 3 , 2003 Former Representative 25 1869 Alexander , Lamar Lamar Alexander R -- Tennessee Former Cabinet member Chair : HELP 26 1871 Cornyn , John John Cornyn R -- Texas Majority Whip 27 1876 Burr , Richard Richard Burr R -- North Carolina January 3 , 2005 Former Representative ( 10 years ) Chair : Intelligence 28 1879 Thune , John John Thune R -- South Dakota Former Representative ( 6 years ) Chair : Commerce Republican Conference Chair 29 1880 Isakson , Johnny Johnny Isakson R -- Georgia Former Representative ( 5 yrs. , 10 mos . ) Chair : Veterans ' Affairs Chair : Ethics 30 1885 Menendez , Bob Bob Menendez D -- New Jersey January 17 , 2006 31 1886 Cardin , Ben Ben Cardin D -- Maryland January 3 , 2007 Former Representative ( 20 years ) Ranking Member : Foreign Relations 32 1887 Sanders , Bernie Bernie Sanders I -- Vermont Former Representative ( 16 years ) Ranking Member : Budget 33 1888 Brown , Sherrod Sherrod Brown D -- Ohio Former Representative ( 14 years ) Ranking Member : Banking 34 1890 Casey Jr. , Bob Bob Casey Jr . D -- Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 6th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Aging 35 1891 Corker , Bob Bob Corker R -- Tennessee Tennessee 16th in population ( 2000 ) Chair : Foreign Relations 36 1892 McCaskill , Claire Claire McCaskill D -- Missouri Missouri 17th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Homeland Security 37 1893 Klobuchar , Amy Amy Klobuchar D -- Minnesota Minnesota 21st in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Rules 38 1894 Whitehouse , Sheldon Sheldon Whitehouse D -- Rhode Island Rhode Island 43rd in population ( 2000 ) 39 1895 Tester , Jon Jon Tester D -- Montana Montana 44th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Veterans ' Affairs 40 1896 Barrasso , John John Barrasso R -- Wyoming June 22 , 2007 Chair : Environment Republican Policy Committee Chair 41 1897 Wicker , Roger Roger Wicker R -- Mississippi December 31 , 2007 42 1899 Udall , Tom Tom Udall D -- New Mexico January 3 , 2009 Former Representative Vice Chair : Indian Affairs 43 1901 Shaheen , Jeanne Jeanne Shaheen D -- New Hampshire Former Governor ( 6 years ) Ranking Member : Small Business 44 1902 Warner , Mark Mark Warner D -- Virginia Former Governor ( 4 years ) Vice Chair : Intelligence Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 45 1903 Risch , Jim Jim Risch R -- Idaho Former Governor ( 7 months ) Chair : Small Business 46 1905 Merkley , Jeff Jeff Merkley D -- Oregon 47 1909 Bennet , Michael Michael Bennet D -- Colorado January 21 , 2009 48 1910 Gillibrand , Kirsten Kirsten Gillibrand D -- New York January 26 , 2009 49 1916 Manchin , Joe Joe Manchin D -- West Virginia November 15 , 2010 Former Governor 50 1917 Coons , Chris Chris Coons D -- Delaware Vice Chair : Ethics 51 1919 Blunt , Roy Roy Blunt R -- Missouri January 3 , 2011 Former Representative ( 14 years ) Missouri 17th in population ( 2000 ) Republican Conference Vice Chair 52 1920 Moran , Jerry Jerry Moran R -- Kansas Kansas 33rd in population ( 2000 ) 53 1921 Portman , Rob Rob Portman R -- Ohio Former Representative ( 12 years ) 54 1922 Boozman , John John Boozman R -- Arkansas Former Representative ( 10 years ) 55 1923 Toomey , Pat Pat Toomey R -- Pennsylvania Former Representative ( 6 years ) 56 1924 Hoeven , John John Hoeven R -- North Dakota Former Governor Chair : Indian Affairs 57 1925 Rubio , Marco Marco Rubio R -- Florida Florida 4th in population ( 2000 ) 58 1926 Johnson , Ron Ron Johnson R -- Wisconsin Wisconsin 20th in population ( 2000 ) Chair : Homeland Security 59 1927 Paul , Rand Rand Paul R -- Kentucky Kentucky 25th in population ( 2000 ) 60 1928 Blumenthal , Richard Richard Blumenthal D -- Connecticut Connecticut 29th in population ( 2000 ) 61 1929 Lee , Mike Mike Lee R -- Utah Utah 34th in population ( 2000 ) 62 1931 Heller , Dean Dean Heller R -- Nevada May 9 , 2011 63 1932 Schatz , Brian Brian Schatz D -- Hawaii December 26 , 2012 64 1933 Scott , Tim Tim Scott R -- South Carolina January 2 , 2013 65 1934 Baldwin , Tammy Tammy Baldwin D -- Wisconsin January 3 , 2013 Former Representative ( 14 years ) Democratic Caucus Secretary 66 1935 Flake , Jeff Jeff Flake R -- Arizona Former Representative ( 12 years ) 67 1936 Donnelly , Joe Joe Donnelly D -- Indiana Former Representative ( 6 years ) Indiana 15th in population ( 2010 ) 68 1937 Murphy , Chris Chris Murphy D -- Connecticut Connecticut 29th in population ( 2010 ) 69 1938 Hirono , Mazie Mazie Hirono D -- Hawaii Hawaii 40th in population ( 2010 ) 70 1939 Heinrich , Martin Martin Heinrich D -- New Mexico Former Representative ( 4 years ) 71 1940 King , Angus Angus King I -- Maine Former Governor ( 8 years ) 72 1941 Kaine , Tim Tim Kaine D -- Virginia Former Governor ( 4 years ) 73 1942 Cruz , Ted Ted Cruz R -- Texas Texas 2nd in population ( 2010 ) 74 1943 Warren , Elizabeth Elizabeth Warren D -- Massachusetts Massachusetts 14th in population ( 2010 ) Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 75 1944 Fischer , Deb Deb Fischer R -- Nebraska Nebraska 38th in population ( 2010 ) 76 1945 Heitkamp , Heidi Heidi Heitkamp D -- North Dakota North Dakota 48th in population ( 2010 ) 77 1948 Markey , Ed Ed Markey D -- Massachusetts July 16 , 2013 78 1949 Booker , Cory Cory Booker D -- New Jersey October 31 , 2013 79 1951 Capito , Shelley Moore Shelley Moore Capito R -- West Virginia January 3 , 2015 Former Representative ( 14 years ) 80 1952 Peters , Gary Gary Peters D -- Michigan Former Representative ( 6 years ) Michigan 8th in population ( 2010 ) 81 1953 Cassidy , Bill Bill Cassidy R -- Louisiana Louisiana 25th in population ( 2010 ) 82 1954 Gardner , Cory Cory Gardner R -- Colorado Former Representative ( 4 years ) Colorado 22nd in population ( 2010 ) NRSC Chair 83 1955 Lankford , James James Lankford R -- Oklahoma Oklahoma 28th in population ( 2010 ) 84 1956 Cotton , Tom Tom Cotton R -- Arkansas Former Representative ( 2 years ) Arkansas 32nd in population ( 2010 ) 85 1957 Daines , Steve Steve Daines R -- Montana Montana 44th in population ( 2010 ) 86 1958 Rounds , Mike Mike Rounds R -- South Dakota Former Governor 87 1959 Perdue , David David Perdue R -- Georgia Georgia 9th in population ( 2010 ) 88 1960 Tillis , Thom Thom Tillis R -- North Carolina North Carolina 10th in population ( 2010 ) 89 1961 Ernst , Joni Joni Ernst R -- Iowa Iowa 30th in population ( 2010 ) 90 1962 Sasse , Ben Ben Sasse R -- Nebraska Nebraska 38th in population ( 2010 ) 91 1963 Sullivan , Dan Dan Sullivan R -- Alaska Alaska 47th in population ( 2010 ) 92 1964 Van Hollen , Chris Chris Van Hollen D -- Maryland January 3 , 2017 Former Representative ( 14 years ) DSCC Chair 93 1965 Young , Todd Todd Young R -- Indiana Former Representative ( 6 years ) 94 1966 Duckworth , Tammy Tammy Duckworth D -- Illinois Former Representative ( 4 years ) 95 1967 Hassan , Maggie Maggie Hassan D -- New Hampshire Former Governor 96 1968 Harris , Kamala Kamala Harris D -- California California 1st in population ( 2010 ) 97 1969 Kennedy , John Neely John Neely Kennedy R -- Louisiana Louisiana 25th in population ( 2010 ) 98 1970 Cortez Masto , Catherine Catherine Cortez Masto D -- Nevada Nevada 35th in population ( 2010 ) 99 1972 Smith , Tina Tina Smith D -- Minnesota January 3 , 2018 Minnesota 21st in population ( 2010 ) 100 1973 Jones , Doug Doug Jones D -- Alabama Alabama 23rd in population ( 2010 ) Rank Historical rank Senator Party - State Seniority date First tie - breaker Second tie - breaker Committee and leadership positions Republican R ( 51 ) Democratic D ( 47 ) Independent I ( 2 ) Republican R ( 51 ) Democratic D ( 47 ) Independent I ( 2 ) Current rank Historical rank Senator Party - State Seniority date First tie - breaker Second tie - breaker Committee and leadership positions 1692 Leahy , Patrick Patrick Leahy D -- Vermont January 3 , 1975 Ranking Member : Appropriations President pro tempore emeritus 1708 Hatch , Orrin Orrin Hatch R -- Utah January 3 , 1977 President pro tempore Chair : Finance 1719 Cochran , Thad Thad Cochran R -- Mississippi December 27 , 1978 Chair : Appropriations 1745 Grassley , Chuck Chuck Grassley R -- Iowa January 3 , 1981 Chair : Judiciary 5 1766 McConnell , Mitch Mitch McConnell R -- Kentucky January 3 , 1985 Majority Leader 6 1775 Shelby , Richard Richard Shelby R -- Alabama January 3 , 1987 Former Representative ( 8 years ) Chair : Rules 7 1777 McCain , John John McCain R -- Arizona Former Representative ( 4 years ) Chair : Armed Services 8 1801 Feinstein , Dianne Dianne Feinstein D -- California November 4 , 1992 Ranking Member : Judiciary 9 1810 Murray , Patty Patty Murray D -- Washington January 3 , 1993 Ranking Member : HELP Assistant Minority Leader 10 1816 Inhofe , Jim Jim Inhofe R -- Oklahoma November 16 , 1994 11 1827 Wyden , Ron Ron Wyden D -- Oregon February 6 , 1996 Ranking Member : Finance 12 1830 Roberts , Pat Pat Roberts R -- Kansas January 3 , 1997 Former Representative ( 16 years ) Chair : Agriculture 13 1831 Durbin , Dick Dick Durbin D -- Illinois Former Representative ( 14 years ) Minority Whip 14 1835 Reed , Jack Jack Reed D -- Rhode Island Former Representative ( 6 years ) Ranking Member : Armed Services 15 1842 Collins , Susan Susan Collins R -- Maine Maine 38th in population ( 1990 ) Chair : Aging 16 1843 Enzi , Mike Mike Enzi R -- Wyoming Wyoming 50th in population ( 1990 ) Chair : Budget 17 1844 Schumer , Chuck Chuck Schumer D -- New York January 3 , 1999 Former Representative ( 18 years ) Minority Leader 18 1846 Crapo , Mike Mike Crapo R -- Idaho Former Representative ( 6 years ) Chair : Banking 19 1854 Nelson , Bill Bill Nelson D -- Florida January 3 , 2001 Former Representative ( 12 years ) Ranking Member : Commerce 20 1855 Carper , Tom Tom Carper D -- Delaware Former Representative ( 10 years ) Ranking Member : Environment 21 1856 Stabenow , Debbie Debbie Stabenow D -- Michigan Former Representative ( 4 years ) Ranking Member : Agriculture Democratic Policy Committee Chair 22 1859 Cantwell , Maria Maria Cantwell D -- Washington Former Representative ( 2 years ) Ranking Member : Energy 23 1873 Murkowski , Lisa Lisa Murkowski R -- Alaska December 20 , 2002 Chair : Energy 24 1867 Graham , Lindsey Lindsey Graham R -- South Carolina January 3 , 2003 Former Representative 25 1869 Alexander , Lamar Lamar Alexander R -- Tennessee Former Cabinet member Chair : HELP 26 1871 Cornyn , John John Cornyn R -- Texas Majority Whip 27 1876 Burr , Richard Richard Burr R -- North Carolina January 3 , 2005 Former Representative ( 10 years ) Chair : Intelligence 28 1879 Thune , John John Thune R -- South Dakota Former Representative ( 6 years ) Chair : Commerce Republican Conference Chair 29 1880 Isakson , Johnny Johnny Isakson R -- Georgia Former Representative ( 5 yrs. , 10 mos . ) Chair : Veterans ' Affairs Chair : Ethics 30 1885 Menendez , Bob Bob Menendez D -- New Jersey January 17 , 2006 31 1886 Cardin , Ben Ben Cardin D -- Maryland January 3 , 2007 Former Representative ( 20 years ) Ranking Member : Foreign Relations 32 1887 Sanders , Bernie Bernie Sanders I -- Vermont Former Representative ( 16 years ) Ranking Member : Budget 33 1888 Brown , Sherrod Sherrod Brown D -- Ohio Former Representative ( 14 years ) Ranking Member : Banking 34 1890 Casey Jr. , Bob Bob Casey Jr . D -- Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 6th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Aging 35 1891 Corker , Bob Bob Corker R -- Tennessee Tennessee 16th in population ( 2000 ) Chair : Foreign Relations 36 1892 McCaskill , Claire Claire McCaskill D -- Missouri Missouri 17th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Homeland Security 37 1893 Klobuchar , Amy Amy Klobuchar D -- Minnesota Minnesota 21st in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Rules 38 1894 Whitehouse , Sheldon Sheldon Whitehouse D -- Rhode Island Rhode Island 43rd in population ( 2000 ) 39 1895 Tester , Jon Jon Tester D -- Montana Montana 44th in population ( 2000 ) Ranking Member : Veterans ' Affairs 40 1896 Barrasso , John John Barrasso R -- Wyoming June 22 , 2007 Chair : Environment Republican Policy Committee Chair 41 1897 Wicker , Roger Roger Wicker R -- Mississippi December 31 , 2007 42 1899 Udall , Tom Tom Udall D -- New Mexico January 3 , 2009 Former Representative Vice Chair : Indian Affairs 43 1901 Shaheen , Jeanne Jeanne Shaheen D -- New Hampshire Former Governor ( 6 years ) Ranking Member : Small Business 44 1902 Warner , Mark Mark Warner D -- Virginia Former Governor ( 4 years ) Vice Chair : Intelligence Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 45 1903 Risch , Jim Jim Risch R -- Idaho Former Governor ( 7 months ) Chair : Small Business 46 1905 Merkley , Jeff Jeff Merkley D -- Oregon 47 1909 Bennet , Michael Michael Bennet D -- Colorado January 21 , 2009 48 1910 Gillibrand , Kirsten Kirsten Gillibrand D -- New York January 26 , 2009 49 1916 Manchin , Joe Joe Manchin D -- West Virginia November 15 , 2010 Former Governor 50 1917 Coons , Chris Chris Coons D -- Delaware Vice Chair : Ethics 51 1919 Blunt , Roy Roy Blunt R -- Missouri January 3 , 2011 Former Representative ( 14 years ) Missouri 17th in population ( 2000 ) Republican Conference Vice Chair 52 1920 Moran , Jerry Jerry Moran R -- Kansas Kansas 33rd in population ( 2000 ) 53 1921 Portman , Rob Rob Portman R -- Ohio Former Representative ( 12 years ) 54 1922 Boozman , John John Boozman R -- Arkansas Former Representative ( 10 years ) 55 1923 Toomey , Pat Pat Toomey R -- Pennsylvania Former Representative ( 6 years ) 56 1924 Hoeven , John John Hoeven R -- North Dakota Former Governor Chair : Indian Affairs 57 1925 Rubio , Marco Marco Rubio R -- Florida Florida 4th in population ( 2000 ) 58 1926 Johnson , Ron Ron Johnson R -- Wisconsin Wisconsin 20th in population ( 2000 ) Chair : Homeland Security 59 1927 Paul , Rand Rand Paul R -- Kentucky Kentucky 25th in population ( 2000 ) 60 1928 Blumenthal , Richard Richard Blumenthal D -- Connecticut Connecticut 29th in population ( 2000 ) 61 1929 Lee , Mike Mike Lee R -- Utah Utah 34th in population ( 2000 ) 62 1931 Heller , Dean Dean Heller R -- Nevada May 9 , 2011 63 1932 Schatz , Brian Brian Schatz D -- Hawaii December 26 , 2012 64 1933 Scott , Tim Tim Scott R -- South Carolina January 2 , 2013 65 1934 Baldwin , Tammy Tammy Baldwin D -- Wisconsin January 3 , 2013 Former Representative ( 14 years ) Democratic Caucus Secretary 66 1935 Flake , Jeff Jeff Flake R -- Arizona Former Representative ( 12 years ) 67 1936 Donnelly , Joe Joe Donnelly D -- Indiana Former Representative ( 6 years ) Indiana 15th in population ( 2010 ) 68 1937 Murphy , Chris Chris Murphy D -- Connecticut Connecticut 29th in population ( 2010 ) 69 1938 Hirono , Mazie Mazie Hirono D -- Hawaii Hawaii 40th in population ( 2010 ) 70 1939 Heinrich , Martin Martin Heinrich D -- New Mexico Former Representative ( 4 years ) 71 1940 King , Angus Angus King I -- Maine Former Governor ( 8 years ) 72 1941 Kaine , Tim Tim Kaine D -- Virginia Former Governor ( 4 years ) 73 1942 Cruz , Ted Ted Cruz R -- Texas Texas 2nd in population ( 2010 ) 74 1943 Warren , Elizabeth Elizabeth Warren D -- Massachusetts Massachusetts 14th in population ( 2010 ) Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 75 1944 Fischer , Deb Deb Fischer R -- Nebraska Nebraska 38th in population ( 2010 ) 76 1945 Heitkamp , Heidi Heidi Heitkamp D -- North Dakota North Dakota 48th in population ( 2010 ) 77 1948 Markey , Ed Ed Markey D -- Massachusetts July 16 , 2013 78 1949 Booker , Cory Cory Booker D -- New Jersey October 31 , 2013 79 1951 Capito , Shelley Moore Shelley Moore Capito R -- West Virginia January 3 , 2015 Former Representative ( 14 years ) 80 1952 Peters , Gary Gary Peters D -- Michigan Former Representative ( 6 years ) Michigan 8th in population ( 2010 ) 81 1953 Cassidy , Bill Bill Cassidy R -- Louisiana Louisiana 25th in population ( 2010 ) 82 1954 Gardner , Cory Cory Gardner R -- Colorado Former Representative ( 4 years ) Colorado 22nd in population ( 2010 ) NRSC Chair 83 1955 Lankford , James James Lankford R -- Oklahoma Oklahoma 28th in population ( 2010 ) 84 1956 Cotton , Tom Tom Cotton R -- Arkansas Former Representative ( 2 years ) Arkansas 32nd in population ( 2010 ) 85 1957 Daines , Steve Steve Daines R -- Montana Montana 44th in population ( 2010 ) 86 1958 Rounds , Mike Mike Rounds R -- South Dakota Former Governor 87 1959 Perdue , David David Perdue R -- Georgia Georgia 9th in population ( 2010 ) 88 1960 Tillis , Thom Thom Tillis R -- North Carolina North Carolina 10th in population ( 2010 ) 89 1961 Ernst , Joni Joni Ernst R -- Iowa Iowa 30th in population ( 2010 ) 90 1962 Sasse , Ben Ben Sasse R -- Nebraska Nebraska 38th in population ( 2010 ) 91 1963 Sullivan , Dan Dan Sullivan R -- Alaska Alaska 47th in population ( 2010 ) 92 1964 Van Hollen , Chris Chris Van Hollen D -- Maryland January 3 , 2017 Former Representative ( 14 years ) DSCC Chair 93 1965 Young , Todd Todd Young R -- Indiana Former Representative ( 6 years ) 94 1966 Duckworth , Tammy Tammy Duckworth D -- Illinois Former Representative ( 4 years ) 95 1967 Hassan , Maggie Maggie Hassan D -- New Hampshire Former Governor 96 1968 Harris , Kamala Kamala Harris D -- California California 1st in population ( 2010 ) 97 1969 Kennedy , John Neely John Neely Kennedy R -- Louisiana Louisiana 25th in population ( 2010 ) 98 1970 Cortez Masto , Catherine Catherine Cortez Masto D -- Nevada Nevada 35th in population ( 2010 ) 99 1972 Smith , Tina Tina Smith D -- Minnesota January 3 , 2018 Minnesota 21st in population ( 2010 ) 100 1973 Jones , Doug Doug Jones D -- Alabama Alabama 23rd in population ( 2010 ) Rank Historical rank Senator Party - State Seniority date First tie - breaker Second tie - breaker Committee and leadership positions
Orrin Hatch Orrin Hatch Patrick Leahy