Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Reveals Absence from Congress Due to Depression

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) announced on June 30 that he had been absent from Congress for nearly four months due to depression. This revelation follows his hospitalization after experiencing health concerns. Kean described depression as a complex condition that is both physical and emotional, stating, "Many people think it is feeling sad. It is so much more than that." He returned to the House floor for the first time since early March, having missed over 100 House votes during his absence. Kean's office had previously referred to his situation as a "personal medical issue" without further details. He emphasized the importance of seeking help for mental health issues, stating, "Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength." Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed support for Kean, encouraging transparency during his absence. Kean represents New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, which is considered a competitive race for the upcoming elections.