Concerns Arise Over Republican Senator’s Health Amid Key Reelection Campaign

Rising apprehension surrounds a Republican senator embroiled in a reelection campaign after she appeared in an interview exhibiting a noticeable tremor.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, aged 73, spoke with Fox News while actively campaigning for November’s Senate race against Democratic challenger Graham Platner.

During the interview, Collins was questioned about whether her opponent leaned too far left. As she responded, viewers observed her visibly shaking.

She confidently stated, “I trust that Maine voters will reach that conclusion, but I certainly don’t take anything for granted.”

The video, shared on X, sparked concern regarding Collins’ well-being among the public, as she has been serving since 1997.

One person commented: ‘She doesn’t sound or look good here at all. Noticeable difference from years past.’

Journalist Ken Klippenstein added: ‘Have you asked why she’s constantly shaking (including in this interview)? And if not, why not?.’

Another said: ‘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?’ 

Collins was asked if her counterpart was too far to left, and as the interviewer quizzed her she could be seen shaking on the spot

She sparked concerns for her health earlier this week after a re-election campaign advert from February went viral.

Collins is seen unboxing a pair of sneakers in the video, her hands trembling as she opens the package, head twitching and voice quavering.

‘This is perfect for 2026 because I’m…running,’ Collins says shakily as she holds up one of the sneakers. 

Collins’ shaking is not new and has been discussed following previous appearances dating back to at least 2019.

US Senators have six-year terms but there are no federal term limits, meaning they can continue seeking re-election indefinitely.

Trump turned on Collins after her Venezuela war powers vote in January, urging voters to oust her and saying she ‘should never be elected to office again.’

Republicans are defending 22 Senate seats in November as they fight to protect Trump’s 53-47 majority. 

Platner suggested that if he defeats Collins in the midterms but the Democrats fail to take control of the Senate, he’ll be ‘arrested.’

Senate candidate from Maine Graham Platner speaks during a campaign townhall event on May 2, 2026 in Appleton 

Collins’ shaking is not new and has been discussed following previous appearances dating back to at least 2019

He has faced outrage from both sides of the aisle over a Nazi-linked tattoo he claimed he got while drunk, as well as controversial Reddit posts.

Platner is now the presumptive Democrat nominee after Governor Janet Mills dropped out of the race.

At a town hall Saturday, he said that as part of a minority Democrat party, he would join protests and picket lines and expected to find himself in handcuffs.

‘If we don’t get the majority and things continue to get worse, I will promise you that I’m going to be arrested as a United States senator,’ he said. 

The candidate was wearing a sweater that said the words ‘neat,’ referring to the style of drink with no ice, a common phrase used by anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters.  

Platner – who has campaigned on being pro-LGBTQ, Medicare for All and ending foreign wars – promised ‘an element of activism’ regardless of whether or not Democrats take the Senate, The Midcoast Villager reported. 

However, should Democrats pull off an upset and take back the Senate, he plans to bog down Donald Trump by making his entire administration testify before Congress.