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PA · Officeholder

Maria Collett

DState Senator · District 12

On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: Pennsylvania Senate District 12

Biography

Maria Collett is a Democratic state senator who has represented Pennsylvania Senate District 12 in Montgomery County since December 2018 and is seeking re-election on November 3, 2026. A registered nurse and former deputy attorney general, she is the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair.[1][2]

Maria Collett grew up in Maryland, according to her official biography, and holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Maryland at College Park, a JD from Rutgers University School of Law, and a BSN from Drexel University.[1] She worked as a Deputy Attorney General in Camden County, New Jersey, advocating for the rights of children, before moving into nursing, where she worked as a Level I trauma nurse, in pediatric home health, and in long-term care.[1]

Collett ran for the Senate in 2018 and became the first Democrat elected to the seat, according to her biography.[1] In 2024, her Senate colleagues elected her Senate Democratic Caucus Chair.[1] She is the Democratic chair of the Aging and Youth Committee and serves on the Health and Human Services, Institutional Sustainability and Innovation, Judiciary, and Rules and Executive Nominations committees.[1] Her biography says she is the prime sponsor of the Family Care Act, which would establish a statewide paid family and medical leave program, and that she championed a 2021 Nursing Workforce Initiative that included a $55 million student loan relief program for nurses.[1] She lives in Lower Gwynedd Township with her husband, Len, and their son.[1]

1.About - Senator Maria Collett · Pennsylvania State Senate · 2026-10-21 Official record
2.Maria Collett · Ballotpedia Reference

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.

Pennsylvania Senate District 12

Maria Collett is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Pennsylvania Senate District 12 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.

Ballotpedia ↗

Other candidates for this seat

Robert Costello IIICandidateRPennsylvania Senate District 12Pennsylvania

Votes by issue

Their recorded votes on bills that divided the chamber (unanimous votes left out), grouped by topic. A bill can sit under more than one topic. "With" and "against" compare each vote with how most Democrats voted. How topics are assigned

Jobs & cost of living8 with · 0 against8 votes
Most contested
All jobs & cost of living votes
Health & care6 with · 1 against7 votes
Most contested
- Yes
  An Act amending the act of June 9, 1997 (P.L.169, No.14), known as the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act, providing for a study on nurse aide training and oversight; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.
  Sep 9, 2025 · Passed 34–15 · against most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
- No
  An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.
  Jun 30, 2026 · Failed 8–42 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
- Yes
  An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in general powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare, further providing for personal care home and assisted living residence administrators; providing for liability for false claims, for adoption of Congressional intent of the Federal False Claims Act, for damages, costs and civil penalties, for powers of Attorney General, for qui tam actions and for civil investigative demands; and establishing the Fraud Prevention and Recovery Account.
  On the version voted Oct 7, 2026: Creates a state false claims law making people who knowingly defraud the state liable for triple damages plus civil penalties, enforced by the attorney general and whistleblower suits, and lets personal care home aides without a diploma qualify by passing reading and math tests.
  May 7, 2025 · Passed 47–3 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
All health & care votes
Transportation3 with · 0 against3 votes
Most contested
- No
  An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in size, weight and load, further providing for permit for movement during course of manufacture.
  May 7, 2025 · Passed 36–14 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
- Yes
  An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of the road in general, further providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for penalties.
  Oct 6, 2026 · Passed 45–5 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
- Yes
  An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in turnpike, further providing for electronic toll collection.
  Jun 24, 2026 · Passed 48–2 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
All transportation votes
Rights & public safety1 with · 0 against1 vote
Most contested
- No
  An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership; and, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.
  Oct 6, 2026 · Passed 33–17 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
All rights & public safety votes

Where they stood out

Voted against most of their party on 2 of 7 party-divided votes on file.

An Act amending the act of June 9, 1997 (P.L.169, No.14), known as the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act, providing for a study on nurse aide training and oversight; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 7–15, Republicans 27–0
Sep 9, 2025Official record ↗
An Act amending the act of June 9, 1997 (P.L.169, No.14), known as the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act, providing for a study on nurse aide training and oversight; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 4–18, Republicans 27–0
Sep 9, 2025Official record ↗

How this is counted

Their votes on the most contested roll calls

The votes in their chamber that came out closest and most divided by party, among those they voted on. How we rank

No
An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership; and, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.
With most of their party · Passed 33–17 · Yes 33–No 17 · Democrats 6–17, Republicans 27–0
Oct 6, 2026Official record ↗
Yes
An Act amending the act of June 9, 1997 (P.L.169, No.14), known as the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act, providing for a study on nurse aide training and oversight; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.
Against most of their party · Passed 34–15 · Yes 34–No 15 · Democrats 7–15, Republicans 27–0
Sep 9, 2025Official record ↗
No
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in size, weight and load, further providing for permit for movement during course of manufacture.
With most of their party · Passed 36–14 · Yes 36–No 14 · Democrats 9–14, Republicans 27–0
May 7, 2025Official record ↗
Yes
An Act amending the act of August 15, 1961 (P.L.987, No.442), known as the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, further providing for definitions, for specifications and for duty of secretary.
With most of their party · Passed 37–13 · Yes 37–No 13 · Democrats 23–0, Republicans 14–13
Jun 10, 2026Official record ↗
Yes
An Act providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians and probationary electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation.
With most of their party · Passed 37–13 · Yes 37–No 13 · Democrats 20–3, Republicans 17–10
Jun 10, 2026Official record ↗
No
An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.
With most of their party · Failed 8–42 · Yes 8–No 42 · Democrats 0–23, Republicans 8–19
Jun 30, 2026Official record ↗
Yes
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of the road in general, further providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for penalties.
With most of their party · Passed 45–5 · Yes 45–No 5 · Democrats 18–5, Republicans 27–0
Oct 6, 2026Official record ↗
Yes
An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in general powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare, further providing for personal care home and assisted living residence administrators; providing for liability for false claims, for adoption of Congressional intent of the Federal False Claims Act, for damages, costs and civil penalties, for powers of Attorney General, for qui tam actions and for civil investigative demands; and establishing the Fraud Prevention and Recovery Account.
With most of their party · Passed 47–3 · Yes 47–No 3 · Democrats 21–2, Republicans 26–1
May 7, 2025Official record ↗

See all their split votes

Include unanimous votes

Substantive votes concern legislation or nominations; procedural votes concern how the chamber considers them. A Yes vote applies to the motion shown, which may not be final passage.

HB 71 · PA SENATE

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in size, weight and load, further providing for safety requirements for towed vehicles.

NoVOTED

Motion: MOTION TO TABLE CAPPELLETTI AMENDMENT NO. A-4581

Lets drivers use safety cables, not only safety chains, when a towed vehicle is connected by a ball-and-socket hitch or pintle hook without a locking device.

AI summary — read the bill text ↗

Passed 27–22·Procedural·Oct 7, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 1262 · PA SENATE

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of the road in general, further providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for penalties.

YesVOTED

Motion: FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 45–5·Substantive·Oct 6, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 1311 · PA SENATE

An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership; and, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.

NoVOTED

Motion: FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 33–17·Substantive·Oct 6, 2026Roll call ↗

HB 852 · PA SENATE

An Act amending the act of December 31, 1965 (P.L.1257, No.511), known as The Local Tax Enabling Act, in collection of delinquent taxes, further providing for collection of delinquent per capita, occupation, occupational privilege, emergency and municipal services, local services and income taxes from employers, etc., for notice and for costs of collection of delinquent per capita, occupation, occupational privilege, emergency and municipal services, local services and income taxes.

YesVOTED

Motion: FINAL PASSAGE

On the version voted Oct 6, 2026: Lets local tax officials recover publicly posted costs of collecting overdue local taxes for up to five years, caps wage withholding for back taxes at 10% of pay, and requires 15 days' notice and pursuing the taxpayer first before taking a spouse's wages.

AI summary — read the bill text ↗

Passed 48–1·Substantive·Sep 29, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 1334 · PA SENATE

An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

YesVOTED

Motion: FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 45–5·Substantive·Jun 30, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 1334 · PA SENATE

An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

NoVOTED

Motion: BROOKS AMENDMENT NO. A-4049

Failed 8–42·Substantive·Jun 30, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 1273 · PA SENATE

An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in turnpike, further providing for electronic toll collection.

YesVOTED

Motion: FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 48–2·Substantive·Jun 24, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 730 · PA SENATE

An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

NoVOTED

Motion: MOTION TO TABLE BOSCOLA AMENDMENT NO. A-3710

Creates a standard state form for orders for life-sustaining treatment, for patients a physician finds have a life-limiting, irreversible condition, replacing out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate orders; bars insurers and providers from requiring it or treating patients differently, and shields providers acting in good faith.

AI summary — read the bill text ↗

Passed 28–21·Procedural·Jun 23, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 908 · PA SENATE

An Act amending the act of August 15, 1961 (P.L.987, No.442), known as the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, further providing for definitions, for specifications and for duty of secretary.

YesVOTED

Motion: MOTION TO TABLE MARTIN AMENDMENT NO. A-3572

Passed 34–16·Procedural·Jun 10, 2026Roll call ↗

SB 1260 · PA SENATE

An Act providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians and probationary electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation.

YesVOTED

Motion: FINAL PASSAGE - RECONSIDERATION

Passed 36–14·Procedural·Jun 10, 2026Roll call ↗

Showing 10 of 24 votes in this collection. Coverage may be incomplete; each entry links to the official record.