Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Reveals Medical Condition After Four-Month Absence from Congress

Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a Republican from New Jersey, disclosed on June 30 that he was diagnosed with depression, which resulted in his absence from Congress for nearly four months. He stated that he was hospitalized for testing and required extensive recovery time under medical care. During his absence, Kean missed 140 roll call votes, equating to a 100% absence rate, according to GovTrack. Kean expressed gratitude for the help he received and noted that he is now healthier and eager to resume his duties. He acknowledged that he initially underestimated the time needed for his recovery. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that Kean's condition is relatable and that he encouraged transparency regarding his health. Kean's return is significant for the Republican majority in the House, especially as the party prepares to address key legislative matters. He is facing a competitive re-election campaign against Democrat Rebecca Bennett, who has garnered support from the establishment. The Cook Political Report has categorized Kean's re-election as a 'toss-up.'