Senator Susan Collins of Maine publicly disclosed for the first time on Wednesday that she has a benign essential tremor, a medical condition she has experienced for decades. Collins, a 73-year-old Republican seeking a fifth term in one of this year’s most competitive Senate races, said the tremor has no impact on her ability to serve.
“What I have is an extremely common medical condition, called a benign essential tremor, and it has no impact on my ability to do my job,” Collins said in a statement. She noted that she has had the tremor for many years and that it is not a new development.
The disclosure came after weeks of mounting online scrutiny from left-leaning individuals. Some critics on social media had circulated video clips of Collins and speculated about her health, suggesting she might be experiencing physical difficulties. The discussion prompted Collins to address the matter directly.
Collins’s campaign emphasized that the tremor is benign and common, and that the senator remains fully capable of performing her duties. Aides pointed out that she has continued to maintain a rigorous schedule, including committee hearings, floor votes, and campaign events across Maine.
The Maine Senate race is considered one of the top battlegrounds in the 2024 election cycle. Democrats have targeted the seat as a potential pickup, and the race has drawn significant national attention and funding. Collins, a moderate Republican, has often broken with her party on key votes, which has made her a target for both conservative and progressive groups.
Collins did not disclose any specific treatment she is receiving for the tremor. She said the condition has never interfered with her work in the Senate, where she has served since 1997. She is the only Republican member of Congress from New England and has a reputation for bipartisanship.
The senator’s disclosure was met with a range of reactions. Some supporters praised her transparency, while some critics continued to question her fitness. Collins’s campaign said she intends to continue her re-election bid without interruption.
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