Where must a senator reside in order to be eligible for election?

To be eligible for election as a U.S. senator, a candidate must reside in the state that they intend to represent. This requirement ensures that senators have a connection and commitment to the interests and needs of their state’s constituents. The framers of the Constitution emphasized the importance of representation, and residency in the state allows senators to understand and advocate for the specific issues affecting their state.

Senators are elected to represent their entire state, which necessitates a strong familiarity with the region, its people, and its concerns. Thus, residing within the state not only fulfills the legal requirement but also helps maintain accountability to the voters who elect them.