Maine Senator Susan Collins Discusses Health Condition

Susan Collins, a 73-year-old Republican Senator from Maine, is in the race for re-election after three decades in office. Recently, she shared with News Center Maine that she has a neurological disorder.

Despite this condition, which she describes as “benign essential tremor,” two recent polls indicate that her ability to perform in her role hasn’t diminished, although she currently trails Democratic candidate Graham Platner by a significant margin—27 percentage points.

“I’ve had it the entire time I served,” Collins mentioned when discussing her condition.

Benign essential tremor is, as she explained, quite common. It causes involuntary shaking, mainly in the hands and arms, but it can also impact a person’s head, voice, and even legs. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is among the most prevalent movement disorders.

Respected neurosurgeon Reese Cosgrove confirmed that this disorder typically worsens over time but is not tied to other neurological issues. It does not lead to cognitive decline, memory loss, or conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Cosgrove further clarified that it’s not classified as a mental illness.

Collins reiterated that her condition, while perhaps concerning to some, has not affected her daily work. She proudly noted that she has never missed a vote during her Senate tenure, expressing confidence in her ability to serve another six years. “If you talk to anyone in Washington, they’ll tell you I’m the hardest-working person they’ve ever worked with,” she asserted.

Facing off against her in the upcoming Senate elections is Graham Platner, who is projected to be the Democratic candidate. Although he suspended his campaign recently, it appears he has his own health concerns.

Platner, who has made various controversial statements and is known for his tattoos linked to extremist imagery, has also stated he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has multiple herniated discs.

As a veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, he reportedly receives nearly $5,000 a month from the Department of Veterans Affairs and possesses a 100% disability rating, though he has been engaged in other work like being an oyster farmer.