NewsReutersMay 7, 2026United States
Senator Susan Collins discloses long-term health condition
Senator Susan Collins has publicly disclosed that she has a benign essential tremor, a condition she states she has managed throughout her nearly 30-year Senate career. The disclosure follows public scrutiny regarding her health during her current reelection campaign.
Read the full story at ReutersWhy It Matters
The disclosure provides voters with information regarding the health status of a sitting U.S. Senator currently seeking reelection in a competitive race.
Key Facts
- Senator Susan Collins confirmed she has a benign essential tremor.
- Collins states she has lived with the condition for her entire nearly three-decade Senate career.
- The condition causes trembling in hands, head, and voice but is not neurodegenerative.
- Collins maintains the condition does not interfere with her ability to work.
- Collins has a consecutive voting streak of 9,966 votes, the second-longest in Senate history.
- Collins is 73 years old and is currently seeking reelection.
- Graham Platner, Collins' likely opponent, is 41 years old and has disclosed a 100% disability rating from the VA due to combat-related PTSD and physical injuries.
- Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign for the Senate seat last week.
- Essential tremor is a common movement disorder that affects millions of Americans over age 40.
Who's Mentioned
personJoe Biden“President of the United States”personGraham Platner“Democratic candidate for Senate”personSusan Collins“U.S. Senator from Maine seeking reelection”organizationWCSH-TV“Maine news outlet”organizationU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs“Federal agency providing disability ratings”organizationAssociated Press“News agency”personDonald Trump“Former President of the United States”organizationNational Institutes of Health“Federal health agency”personJanet Mills“Governor of Maine”