Sen. Collins addresses health speculation, says she has benign neurological condition

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine sought to quell speculation about her trembling hands, shaky head, and wavering voice this week, saying she has a condition known as benign essential tremor.

The 73-year-old confirmed the condition with WCSH-TV in Maine as she campaigns for her sixth and what she says is her final Senate term, noting she has dealt with it throughout her years in Washington.

“The tremor is occasionally inconvenient, and sometimes the subject of cruel comments online, but it does not hinder my ability to work and, as I said, is something that I have lived with for decades,” Ms. Collins said in a statement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes involuntary rhythmic shaking — most often in the hands — that “usually is not a dangerous condition” but can worsen over time and is sometimes confused with Parkinson’s disease.

Ms. Collins disclosed her condition amid a raging online debate about her shaky appearance and persistent questions inside and outside Washington over whether she was showing symptoms of Parkinson’s or another disease.

Ms. Collins is heading into what looks like a challenging reelection year. She is expected to face Democrat Graham Platner, a 41-year-old former Marine who has called for a new generation of leaders and says he is fighting for working-class Americans, whom he argues have been left behind by Ms. Collins and members of both parties.

Mr. Platner’s path to the Democratic nomination opened up last week after Gov. Janet Mills, 78, suspended her campaign.

Ms. Mills cited her inability to raise money. She also faced questions about her age.

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The focus on age and health has intensified after then-President Biden’s dramatic exit from the 2024 race, following a dismal debate performance that heightened concerns about his mental fitness and ultimately led Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on the ticket 107 days before the election.

Democrats have since blamed Mr. Biden’s decision to run again — despite long-simmering concerns among voters and party insiders about his ability to serve another four years — for helping pave the way for President Trump’s return to office.

Mr. Trump also has faced health questions, largely from Democrats.

Ms. Collins serves as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, and is running in part on her proven ability to bring federal dollars back to Maine.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.