Who are the 8 Democrat Senators who voted with Republicans to end the government shutdown, and what they have in common
The group, which included several veteran lawmakers and former governors, played a key role in breaking the partisan deadlock that had paralyzed Washington for weeks. While most Democrats opposed the deal, citing a lack of guaranteed funding extensions for federal health insurance subsidies, those eight senators prioritized ending the shutdown and restarting government operations.
Who are the 8 Democratic Senators?
The eight members who helped end the U.S. government shutdown are Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, King Angus of Maine, Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada.
What they have in common
The group’s votes were vital in advancing the deal, which aims to restart government operations, rehire furloughed employees and expand key social programs hobbled by the impasse. None of the eight senators are up for re-election in 2026; this may have given them more political flexibility to support the measure despite opposition from Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Who are the eight US senators on the Republican side?
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, is the first woman in U.S. history to be elected as both governor and senator. In the Senate since 2009, she is known for her bipartisan approach and has worked on small business growth, veterans’ health care and combating the opioid crisis. Shaheen, a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, previously served three terms as governor, focusing on jobs, education and financial reform.
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan
Maggie Hassan, another New Hampshire Democrat who broke ranks, was elected to the Senate in 2016; He works across party lines on issues like healthcare affordability, broadband expansion and cybersecurity. A former state senator and governor, Hassan is widely recognized for pragmatic leadership and bipartisan negotiation.
Maine Senator Angus King
First elected in 2012, Maine Independent Senator Angus King is known for his centrist and consensus-based approach. As a member of the Armed Services, Intelligence, and Veterans Affairs Committees, he has been a prominent voice on cybersecurity and energy policy. Before joining the Senate, he served two terms as governor of Maine and emphasized education and economic growth.
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin was the only member of the party leadership to vote with Republicans to advance the deal. His decision marked a significant departure from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s position. According to Politico, Durbin’s likely successor is Sen. Brian Schatz opposed the motion.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman
Sen. John Fetterman was among the Democrats calling for an end to the shutdown. Each time, he voted to reopen the government, criticized his own party for prolonging the standoff, and underscored the burden on federal workers and low-income families.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine
Sen. Tim Kaine, who represents a state with about 150,000 federal workers, supported the deal because of its inclusion of provisions to reinstate employees laid off due to “reduction in force” during the shutdown.
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Cortez Masto of Nevada has consistently voted to end the federal government shutdown and stressed that extensions of health care subsidies should not come at the expense of millions of Americans affected by disruptions in services.
Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen
Rosen joined Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada in voting to advance the agreement. Re-elected in 2024.
