We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of six years. This arrangement is established in the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 3, which outlines the structure of the Senate. Senators serve longer terms compared to members of the House of Representatives, who serve two-year terms, allowing them to focus on long-term legislation without the immediate pressure of re-election. This longer term is intended to provide a measure of stability in governance and to give Senators the opportunity to engage in more extensive debate on national issues. The six-year term is consistent across all states, and the staggered election cycle for Senators means that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years, ensuring continuity while still holding Senators accountable to the electorate.