Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, facing a challenging re-election campaign, has disclosed that she has been living with a benign essential tremor for decades. The 73-year-old senator stated that the condition affects her appearance but does not impair her ability to perform her duties.
Collins Addresses Health Concerns
In an interview with News Center Maine, an NBC affiliate, Collins revealed that she has a benign essential tremor, which she manages with medication. This condition can cause trembling in the hands, arms, and head. Collins emphasized that it is an extremely common condition and has had no impact on her work or daily life. She noted that she has not missed a single vote during her tenure in the Senate, which began in 1996.
Political Context and Re-Election Battle
Collins, the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate, is currently serving her fifth term. Democrats view her seat as a potential pickup in the upcoming November midterm elections, which could shift control of the Senate. Polls indicate that her presumptive Democratic opponent, Graham Platner, holds a slight lead. The race has intensified after former Maine Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, suspended her Senate campaign last week.
Collins has often crossed party lines, voting with Democrats on key issues, including the conviction of former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. This has drawn criticism from some Republican colleagues.
Medical Condition Explained
According to the Mayo Clinic, essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes rhythmic shaking, often mistaken for Parkinson's disease. It is most common in people over 40 and can worsen over time. Dr. Rees Cosgrove, chief of functional neurosurgery at Mass General Brigham, explained that about 5% of adults over 40 experience some form of essential tremor, increasing to 20% in those over 65. He clarified that the condition is not linked to cognitive decline, memory loss, or other neurological impairments.
Collins's health has come under scrutiny since she announced her re-election bid in February. Campaign videos showed visible shaking in her hands and a tremor in her voice. Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein posted a video on social media questioning her physical condition.
Despite the attention, Collins remains confident in her ability to serve another six-year term. She highlighted her strong voting record as evidence of her good health, stating that she is blessed with great health and that the tremor is merely an inconvenience.
Platner, a military veteran, has pointed to Collins's past comments during her 1996 campaign, where she said she would serve only two terms. Collins now argues that her experience and dedication make her the best choice for Maine.
