US Representative Tom Kean Jr. (D-NJ) returned to Congress on June 30, 2026, after a four-month absence during which he received treatment for depression. He stated on the House floor, "I am grateful that I accepted help because today I stand before you healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love."
During his tenure in the New Jersey Senate, Kean opposed paid sick leave initiatives, including the Earned Sick Leave Act, which mandates five paid sick leave days per year for workers in New Jersey. He also voted against the No Surprise Medical Bills act and two paid family leave laws in 2008 and 2018.
Yarrow Willman-Cole from New Jersey Citizen Action noted the irony of Kean's absence, stating, "He’s been able to rely on things he directly voted against." Kean described himself as a supporter of mental health care, but critics argue that his voting record does not reflect the needs of constituents.
Matthew Camarda from NAMI New Jersey emphasized the importance of recognizing mental health care needs, stating, "All individuals with mental health conditions deserve that opportunity to get care and to recover on their own terms." Kean also voted for legislation that establishes work requirements for Medicaid recipients, which could hinder access to treatment for low-income individuals.
Kean's voting history and recent absence may influence his re-election campaign against Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett in November 2026.