Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) revealed a medical condition she’s had for decades.
Collins, 73, told NEWS CENTER Maine that she has a benign essential tremor that she treats with medication.
The Maine Republican, first elected in 1996, is seeking re-election for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate.
“What I have is an extremely common condition that is called a benign essential tremor. I have had it for the entire time that I have served in the United States Senate. It has absolutely no impact on my ability to do my job or on how I feel each day,” Collins told the outlet.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins reveals 'essential tremor' diagnosis: 'It's had absolutely no impact' https://t.co/hRiPeS0pPf pic.twitter.com/5MxLo9MJeM
— New York Post (@nypost) May 7, 2026
NEWS CENTER Maine shared further:
Collins emphasized that she has never missed a Senate floor vote during her 30 years in office – a record approaching 10,000 consecutive votes – and she is confident, if she is elected again in November, in her ability to serve another six years.
“If you talk to anybody in Washington, they will tell you that I am the hardest working person that they have ever worked with, and the fact is I’ve never missed a single vote in all the time that I’ve been honored to represent the people of Maine,” Collins said. “I think that’s pretty good evidence of the fact that I am blessed with great health.”
Like Collins, about 5% of adults over 40 have some form of essential tremor, as do 20% of those over 65, according to Dr. Rees Cosgrove, the Chief of the Division of Functional Neurosurgery at Mass General Brigham in Boston.
“It tends to slowly get worse over time,” Cosgrove said in an interview. “It’s not associated with other neurologic impairments. So, it’s not associated with cognitive decline or memory decline. It’s not associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not Parkinson’s disease.”
“It’s inconvenient at times, but that’s all,” Collins said.
The Maine senator, who is seeking reelection, addressed health questions after viral videos sparked online debate about her shaking and age. https://t.co/GHPxWygqu6
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) May 7, 2026
More from the New York Post:
In February, Collins announced her re-election bid.
“This is perfect for 2026,” Collins said as she opened a new box of sneakers in her campaign video. “Because I’m running!”
Collins’ Democratic challenger and left-wing populist Graham Platner has also faced questions about his health during his campaign.
ADVERTISEMENTThe 41-year-old Iraq and Afghanistan veteran has said he suffers from PTSD and combat-related injuries after serving four tours overseas.
Last month, The Post exclusively reported that Platner once defended a Marine who urinated on a dead Taliban fighter.
