Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) publicly revealed for the first time on Wednesday that she has had an “extremely common” medical condition, called a benign essential tremor, for decades.
“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 said.
Collins, 73, revealed her condition in an interview with News Center Maine on Wednesday, telling the outlet she treats the tremor with medication.
The five-term senator has been the target of online speculation about her health after multiple videos, including a reelection campaign ad, have shown her shaking. Left-wing media reposted the footage of Collins, saying it raises questions over her age and state of health.
“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 told the outlet. “I think that’s pretty good evidence of the fact that I am blessed with great health.”
The condition, according to Penn Medicine, affects the nervous system and causes involuntary trembling in a person’s hands, forearms, head, and other areas. Those with the condition can manage their symptoms with treatments such as medications, ultrasounds, medical devices, and lifestyle changes.
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The announcement comes a few months after Collins announced she is running for a sixth term to represent Maine in the upper chamber. Just last week, the primary on the Democratic side of the ballot in the race narrowed when Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) dropped out of the race and cleared the way for oyster farmer Graham Platner to take the Democratic nomination.
The shake-up, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer‘s (D-NY) handpicked choice exiting, all but pits Collins against Platner in the November general election.
