Overview
- Collins, 73, said Wednesday in a News Center Maine interview that she has a benign essential tremor and treats it with medication.
- She said the condition has had no impact on her duties and pointed to her decades-long voting streak as evidence of her capacity to serve.
- Doctors cited by WCSH and major medical centers say essential tremor is common in older adults, is not Parkinson’s, and can be managed with treatment.
- The disclosure followed viral clips that showed her shaking and spurred online speculation about her fitness for office.
- The announcement comes as she seeks a sixth term against likely Democratic nominee Graham Platner after Gov. Janet Mills exited the primary, sharpening voter focus on health and age in the campaign.