NJ's Tom Kean Jr. Says He Was Hospitalized, Diagnosed With Depression

DISTRICT 7 — After being absent for almost four months, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. revealed the nature of his medical condition.

On Tuesday, Kean Jr. of District 7 told the House of Representatives that he was diagnosed with depression after entering the hospital for testing several months ago.

He said he can now return to Congress after a 117-day absence with the support of his doctors.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep gratitude for the patience, the kindness, the prayers, and the concern that have been shown to me and my family over the course of the last several months," Kean said.

He said he believed he owed "an explanation to the people of New Jersey's 7th district, to my colleagues in this chamber, and to the American people for my absence."

Kean said he entered the hospital "due to health concerns" and did not expect a long stay.

"I was given the diagnosis of depression," he said.

He described depression as more than sadness, saying, "It is physical. It is emotional. And until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be."

According to Kean, doctors recommended that he remain in the hospital to address the illness and told him that would be the fastest path to recovery.

He said he hesitated because of responsibilities to his family, constituents and Congress, but agreed to follow that recommendation.

Kean said that when he first told the public he was dealing with a medical issue, he was still trying to understand what was happening.

"When I said I hope to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it," he said. "Those were the best estimates that the doctors could provide."

Kean Jr. previously made a public statement on Primary Day, June 2, stating he was transitioning "from virtual work to in-person work within a matter of weeks."

He also said, "There is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery, only the work of getting better, one day at a time."

In his remarks, Kean said he returned "healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love."

He also connected the experience to his past work on mental health policy, saying, "During my time in the New Jersey legislature, I worked to advance mental health parity. I believed in the cause then, and I understand it in a far more personal way now."

Kean thanked his constituents, staff and family for supporting him during his absence. He also used the speech to encourage others to seek treatment. "And to them, I would say asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength," he said.

He closed by saying, "I am grateful to be back with the full support of my doctors. I'm grateful to be healthy. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey's seventh congressional district."

The Republican ticket was uncontested in the primary election with Kean Jr. as the victor. He will now face Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett of Bridgewater in the NJ 7th Congressional District general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Bennett released a statement regarding Kean's return stating she was "relieved that Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is well and continue to wish him good health."

"But let’s be clear: I got into this race because Tom Kean Jr. was failing our community long before this absence. He was the deciding vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill, which jacked up health care costs for everyone and kicked thousands off of their health insurance in our district. He has consistently failed to stand up for our communities, including when funding for the Gateway project was threatened. And he voted in favor of a reckless war that has made everything more expensive for New Jersey families," said Bennett.

Bennett called voters to "hold Tom Kean Jr. accountable for his record and bring a new generation of leadership to Washington."

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