she was the first woman to serve in both houses of a state legislature and in both houses of the united states congress. she was the first woman to be elected senator in the history of maine. she is the first greek woman ever elected to the united states congress. senator snowe is a member of the united states republican party. snowe also served in the united states house of representatives. she retired in 2013, after deciding not to seek reelection in 2012. she was succeeded by former independent governor of maine angus king.