The Maine Republican said the previously undisclosed medical condition has not affected her ability to perform her duties in the Senate.
Sen. Susan Collins revealed Wednesday that she has long been diagnosed with a benign essential tremor, disclosing for the first time that the condition has caused the visible shaking that has drawn increasing public attention in recent years.
The 73-year-old Maine Republican said she has lived with the neurological condition for virtually her entire Senate career and insisted it has had “absolutely no impact” on her ability to serve in office.
“What I have is an extremely common condition that is called a benign essential tremor,” Collins told News Center Maine. “I have had it for the entire time that I have served in the United States Senate.”
Collins added that while the tremor can occasionally be inconvenient, it does not interfere with her daily responsibilities or cognitive abilities.
Disclosure follows public speculation after campaign video
The revelation came months after Collins launched her 2026 reelection campaign with a social media “unboxing” video that went viral in part because viewers noticed visible trembling in her hands and voice.
For years, political observers and social media users had speculated about Collins’ health, particularly because of her speech patterns and visible shaking during public appearances.
Essential tremor is a common neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking, most often in the hands, head, or voice. Medical experts say it is distinct from Parkinson’s disease and typically does not affect cognitive functioning.
Neurologist Dr. Michael D. Fox of Mass General Brigham told The Washington Post the condition is “kind of a minor annoyance” for many patients and usually has little impact on their ability to work.
Collins points to Senate attendance record
Collins, first elected in 1996, emphasized that she has never missed a Senate floor vote during her nearly 30 years in office — a streak approaching 10,000 consecutive votes.
“If you talk to anybody in Washington, they will tell you that I am the hardest-working person that they have ever worked with,” Collins said.
The disclosure comes as questions surrounding age and fitness for office continue dominating national political discussions following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race amid concerns about his health and stamina.
Collins is currently seeking a sixth Senate term in what is expected to become one of the most competitive Senate races in the country.
Competitive reelection race already underway
Democrats view Collins as potentially the most vulnerable Republican Senate incumbent on the ballot in 2026, though the race shifted significantly after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills exited the contest earlier this month.
Collins now appears likely to face left-wing populist Graham Platner, a 41-year-old veteran and oyster farmer who has spoken openly about the physical injuries and PTSD he suffered during military service.
Despite growing scrutiny over age and health in national politics, Collins argued that her lengthy Senate record demonstrates she remains fully capable of continuing in office.
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