Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) disclosed that she has a benign essential tremor, a neurological condition that causes trembling in her hands, arms, and head. Collins stated that she has had the condition throughout her Senate tenure and that it does not impair her ability to perform her duties.
Background
- Collins, 73, was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and is the longest-serving Republican woman in the chamber.
- She is seeking a sixth term in a state considered competitive for the upcoming midterm elections.
- Collins has frequently voted with Democrats, including voting to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial.
Medical Context
- According to the Mayo Clinic, essential tremor is a neurological condition often mistaken for Parkinson's disease but not associated with cognitive decline.
- Rees Cosgrove of Mass General Brigham stated that about 5% of adults over 40 and 20% over 65 have some form of essential tremor.
Political Context
- Polls indicate a close race; Collins' presumptive Democratic opponent is Graham Platner.
- Janet Mills, the former Democratic governor and previous frontrunner, suspended her campaign.
- Collins highlighted her perfect voting record over three decades as evidence of her health and work ethic.