GOP Rep. Tom Kean Returns to Congress, Disclosing Diagnosis of Depression Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey disclosed on Tuesday that he had been hospitalized for depression, a condition that has kept him absent from public life for months. Speaking on the House floor, Kean emphasized the importance of seeking help, stating, “Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength.” His disclosure came as he prepares to run for a third term in a competitive district, despite having missed over 140 votes since March 5, when he last cast a ballot. Kean described depression as a complex illness that extends beyond emotional distress, noting its physical and psychological toll. “Until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be,” he said. During his hospital stay, he reflected on how long the condition had affected his life, acknowledging that recovery has no set timeline. “There is no timeline for healing, only the work of getting better one day at a time,” he added. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who addressed reporters ahead of Kean’s speech, expressed support for the New Jersey Republican. Johnson admitted he would have been more open about his own condition but defended Kean’s absence, stating, “I think his constituents have been served throughout this process. I think Tom gets reelected easily this fall.” Johnson also sent a personal note to Kean, assuring him, “We’re in your corner and we’re behind you 100%.” Kean’s prolonged absence sparked questions about transparency. Johnson claimed he had spoken with Kean on April 24, during which the congressman described his condition as a “personal health matter” and expressed optimism about his recovery.#new_jersey #house_speaker_mike_johnson #tom_kean_jr #tom_kean_sr #congressional_disclosure_documents
New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Discloses Reason for Four-Month Congressional Absence Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., a Republican from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, revealed on June 30, 2026, that his prolonged absence from Congress—spanning over four months and more than 140 missed roll call votes—was due to a severe depression diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization. The congressman, whose father served as a former governor of New Jersey, described his mental health struggles as a critical turning point in his life, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Kean’s absence, which began in March 2026, drew scrutiny from colleagues and the media. During his time away, USA TODAY’s attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. In a statement, Kean acknowledged that he initially believed he could “push through” his condition but ultimately followed his doctors’ recommendations. He did not provide specific details about his hospitalization, though he highlighted the broader societal impact of depression, noting that it remains one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. The most recent Gallup poll indicated that over 18% of U.S. adults experience depression, a figure that has remained at historic highs in recent years. Kean’s absence has complicated his re-election prospects. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report revised its assessment of the November general election race, shifting it from a “leaning Republican” contest to a “toss-up.” His Democratic opponent, former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett, has already criticized his voting record, as has the national Democratic Party. Eli Cousin, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, remarked in May that Kean’s “career politician” image has made him “more vulnerable” in the race.#new_jersey #mike_johnson #republican #tom_kean_jr #cook_political_report
