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2d ago

Susan Collins Discloses Longstanding Benign Tremor After Viral Videos

The disclosure addresses fitness questions in a high-profile Maine Senate race.

Democrats are optimistic that they can flip Sen. Susan Collins' seat in November.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, questions Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins during a Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Thursday, April 30, 2026 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
FILE - Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, walks to the chamber after meeting behind closed doors with fellow Republicans on the Homeland Security budget stalemate, at the Capitol in Washington, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Overview

  • Collins, 73, told News Center Maine on Wednesday that she has had a benign essential tremor throughout her Senate career and said it does not affect her work.
  • The announcement followed widely shared clips that showed her shaking and prompted questions about her health and fitness to serve.
  • A Mass General Brigham neurosurgeon said about 5% of people over 40 and roughly 20% over 65 have essential tremor, which is distinct from Parkinson’s and not linked to cognitive decline.
  • Collins said she manages the condition with medication and pointed to a nearly 10,000-vote streak without a missed Senate vote as evidence of her capacity.
  • The timing comes as she readies for a likely matchup with Democrat Graham Platner after Gov. Janet Mills exited the primary, with both candidates having discussed personal health histories.