Rep Tom Kean says depression caused months-long absence from Congress
U.S. Representative Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) (C) arrives at the US Capitol with his wife Rhonda Kean (R) on June 30, 2026 in Washington DC.
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Representative Tom Kean Jr. (R.N.J.) said Tuesday that he had been diagnosed with depression, explaining that his months away from Congress in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts in the 2026 midterm elections had become a political liability.
Kean, a second-term Republican who represents New Jersey’s 7th District, had not cast a House vote since March 5 and missed more than 140 votes while away from Washington. His absence led to questions that escalated without explanation. His office had previously described the absence only as a personal medical issue.
“I believed it when I said I hoped to be back in a few weeks,” Kean said, appearing in Parliament for the first time since March 5.
“These were the best guesses doctors could provide,” Kean continued, “but as more than 48 million of my fellow Americans treated for this disease have discovered — there is no timetable for recovery, no timetable for recovery, just a matter of getting better one day at a time.”
Kean said he went to hospital for testing a few months ago after experiencing health problems and was diagnosed with depression there. Kean said his doctors recommended he stay in hospital for treatment.
“I’m grateful that I listened to my doctors today,” Kean said. “I am grateful to accept the help because I stand before you today healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the job I love.”
Kean, 57, is running for a third term against Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and health care executive. Democrats targeted the seat as a prime recruiting opportunity. The Cook Political Report, with Amy Walter, rates the seat as leaning Republican. The site has not changed its rating for the race since November.
Kean, the son of former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr., has long been part of one of the state’s most prominent Republican political families. He first won the seat in 2022 after defeating Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski.
