Prior to his political career, Collins worked as a machinist.
[1][2] He faced Republican Steve Byas in 1996 election,[3] and succeeded Ed Crocker as member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 45th district.
[2] Collins won reelection in 1998, then lost to Thad Balkman twice, in 2000 and 2002.
The next year, Collins was elected chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.
[5] Collins won reelection as state party leader in 2013,[8] and retired at the end of his second term.