Senator Susan Collins Addresses Health Concerns Amid Campaign Trail
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, has recently addressed concerns about her health following a viral video that showed her shaking during an interview. At 73 years old, Collins has been candid about the cause of her tremors, revealing that she has had a benign essential tremor for over 40 years. This condition has not affected her ability to perform her duties as a senator.
Collins shared this information with News Center 8, emphasizing that the tremor has no impact on her daily life or job performance. She noted that the condition is relatively common, with around five percent of adults over the age of 40 and 20 percent of those over 65 experiencing some form of it. An expert from Mass General Brigham Hospital, Dr. Rees Cosgrove, explained that the tremor is not linked to other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
- The condition is described as ‘inconvenient at times, but that’s all,’ according to Collins.
- She emphasized that it has no bearing on her work in Washington, D.C.
- Collins highlighted her dedication to her role, stating that she has never missed a single vote since being elected to the Senate in 1996.
Collins’ health concerns were raised after a video of her campaign trail activities circulated online. In the video, she was seen shaking while giving an interview with Fox News, prompting questions about her well-being. Some viewers expressed worry, noting a noticeable difference from previous appearances.
- One person commented: ‘She doesn’t sound or look good here at all. Noticeable difference from years past.’
- Journalist Ken Klippenstein questioned why the shaking wasn’t being addressed, asking, ‘Have you asked why she’s constantly shaking (including in this interview)? And if not, why not?’
- Another viewer asked, ‘Why is she shaking uncontrollably? Why aren’t you asking about her health? Is it preventing her from doing her job? Why is she shaking?’
The concerns were further amplified by a re-election campaign video from February, which went viral. In the video, Collins is seen unboxing sneakers, with her hands trembling and voice quavering. She says, ‘This is perfect for 2026 because I’m…running,’ as she holds up one of the sneakers.
Collins’ shaking has been a topic of discussion for several years, with previous appearances dating back to at least 2019. US senators serve six-year terms, and there are no federal term limits, allowing them to seek re-election indefinitely.
Political Context and Opposition
The recent attention on Collins’ health comes amid a competitive Senate race in Maine. Her opponent, Democrat Graham Platner, has faced scrutiny over his controversial past, including a Nazi-linked tattoo and Reddit posts. Despite this, Platner is now the presumptive Democratic nominee after Governor Janet Mills dropped out of the race.
- Platner has made statements suggesting that if he defeats Collins in the midterms but Democrats fail to take control of the Senate, he will be ‘arrested.’
- He has also spoken about joining protests and picket lines as part of his campaign, indicating a commitment to activism.
At a town hall event, Platner mentioned wearing a sweater with the word ‘neat,’ a phrase associated with anti-ICE protesters. His campaign platform includes support for LGBTQ rights, Medicare for All, and ending foreign wars. He has promised to bring an ‘element of activism’ regardless of the Senate’s outcome.
- Should Democrats win the Senate, Platner plans to challenge Donald Trump by making his administration testify before Congress.
- This approach highlights the political tensions and expectations surrounding the upcoming election.
