73-year-old Susan Collins has been a senator for decades. She only just disclosed a benign essential tremor

Senator Susan Collins Discloses Longtime Struggle With Benign Essential Tremor

Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins has publicly disclosed that she has a benign essential tremor, a health condition she has managed for the duration of her nearly three-decade career in the Senate. The announcement comes as Collins seeks reelection in a Maine Senate race that has become one of the most closely watched contests of the year.

Collins first confirmed the diagnosis to WCSH-TV in Maine on Wednesday, following public inquiries regarding her health sparked by recent video appearances, including her campaign announcement. In a subsequent statement to The Associated Press on Thursday, Collins clarified that the condition is not neurodegenerative and “does not interfere” with her professional responsibilities.

Understanding Benign Essential Tremor

According to the National Institutes of Health, essential tremor—often referred to as benign essential tremor—is one of the most common movement disorders. It occurs when nerves fail to communicate properly with specific muscles, resulting in involuntary shaking.

The condition typically manifests as trembling in the hands, but it can also affect the voice and the head. While the risk of developing the disorder increases with age, the National Institutes of Health notes that at least half of all cases are inherited, often appearing at younger ages when the tremor runs in a family.

Collins noted that while the tremor is “occasionally inconvenient” and has led to “cruel comments online,” it has not hindered her ability to perform her duties since she was first elected to the Senate in 1996.

Career Performance and Senate Leadership

Despite the physical manifestations of the tremor, Collins has maintained a rigorous schedule and a high level of influence within the chamber. As the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she remains central to the Senate’s spending disputes, frequently leading floor debates and delivering the GOP’s closing arguments.

Her commitment to her office is further evidenced by her voting record. Collins currently holds the second-longest consecutive voting streak in the history of the Senate, having not missed a single vote in 9,966 instances.

The Maine Senate Race: Health and Age in Focus

The disclosure arrives amid a campaign where age and health have become prominent themes. Collins, 73, is facing a likely opponent in Democrat Graham Platner, a 41-year-old combat veteran and oyster farmer. Platner entered the race after Democratic Governor Janet Mills, 78, suspended her campaign last week.

Platner has been transparent about his own health challenges, citing chronic pain in his knees and shoulder resulting from his military service. He has also spoken openly about a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and holds a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Platner has defended his ability to serve, stating that many disabled veterans continue to work and that such a status is “a very normal thing.”

A Broader Trend of Political Health Scrutiny

The focus on Senator Collins’ health reflects a broader national trend of increased scrutiny regarding the age and medical fitness of high-profile political candidates. This shift followed Democratic President Joe Biden’s 2024 decision not to seek reelection at age 81.

Similar scrutiny has followed Republican President Donald Trump, 79. Last year, the White House acknowledged that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, and observers have noted bruising on the back of his hand in recent months, which has occasionally been concealed with makeup.

Key Takeaways: Senator Collins’ Health Disclosure

• The Condition: Benign essential tremor, a common movement disorder affecting the hands, head, and voice.
• Duration: Collins has lived with the condition for her entire Senate career, beginning in 1996.
• Medical Status: It is not a neurodegenerative condition and does not hinder her ability to work.
• Political Context: The disclosure occurs during a reelection bid against Graham Platner, who has also disclosed significant health and disability challenges.
• Professional Standing: Collins remains the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and holds one of the longest voting streaks in Senate history.