New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. revealed Tuesday that he was treated for depression during his unexplained four-month absence from the House, ending months of silence about a health issue that had raised questions on Capitol Hill.
Tom Kean Jr.'s depression diagnosis, in his own words
In a brief floor speech, Kean said he stayed quiet about his condition because he is "a private person by nature." He described depression as something that "is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be." Kean said he initially entered the hospital over health concerns and underwent testing, though he offered no further medical details. He added that doctors had recommended he remain in the hospital, and that his earlier public estimate of returning within weeks reflected his doctors' best guess at the time, not a fixed deadline.
"But as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing," Kean told colleagues, before saying he now feels "healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love."
What happened during his four-month absence
Kean last cast a vote in the House on March 5 and did not appear publicly in Washington or his district for months afterward, missing more than 100 House votes in the process. His return came weeks after he won an uncontested primary on June 2. After delivering his floor speech, Kean left the Capitol quickly without taking questions from reporters, leaving several details of his hospitalization unaddressed.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would leave it to Kean to decide whether Tuesday's remarks provided enough transparency, telling reporters, "He spoke to it. It's his personal issue, and, you know, I thought the speech on the floor was, well, I thought he explained it." Johnson added that he had "encouraged him all along to be as transparent as possible" and was glad Kean had "finally" done so.
Political reaction and the fight to keep his seat
Kean's absence carried real political weight. He represents a competitive district that includes President Trump's Bedminster golf club, and Republicans hold only a narrow House majority. His office confirmed he is still running for reelection and is set to face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in what's expected to be one of New Jersey's most closely watched House races this November. The seat has flipped in each of the last two midterm elections, with Kean beating Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2022, who had unseated Republican Leonard Lance in 2018, making Kean's health and availability a genuine factor for both parties. Johnson said Tuesday he is confident Kean would be "easily" reelected, and Trump has endorsed Kean's campaign without commenting on the absence.
Kean comes from a long line of New Jersey political figures, including a great-grandfather who served as a U.S. senator, a grandfather who was a congressman, and his father, Tom Kean Sr., a former two-term governor of the state.
How Kean's disclosure compares to other lawmakers
Lawmakers have handled extended health absences very differently. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, was hospitalized more than two weeks before Kean's disclosure, and his office has released few details since. By contrast, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman disclosed his hospitalization for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center the day after checking in, just weeks into his 2023 Senate term, and has since spoken openly about the condition. "There are people who are suffering with depression in red counties and blue counties," Fetterman said after his own six-week treatment. "If you need help, please get help."
New York Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, who has also spoken publicly about his own experience with depression, responded to Kean's remarks by saying he has "deep sympathy for anyone struggling with mental illness," while adding that "public office carries a duty of transparency" and that "when a public official is absent for an extended period, the public has a right to an honest explanation." The contrast underscores an ongoing debate in Congress over how much lawmakers owe the public when serious health issues sideline them from their duties, an issue that intersects with the broader conversation happening across mental health coverage nationwide, and one likely to keep surfacing in Washington policy circles as more officials weigh similar disclosures.
FAQ
Why was Tom Kean Jr. absent from Congress for four months?
Kean said he was hospitalized for health concerns, underwent testing, and was ultimately diagnosed with and treated for depression, though he has not released full medical details.
Is Tom Kean Jr. still running for reelection?
Yes. His office says he remains in the race and is set to face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett in November in what's considered one of New Jersey's most competitive House contests.
How did other members of Congress react to his disclosure?
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was glad Kean had been transparent, while Rep. Ritchie Torres said public officials owe voters an honest explanation for extended absences, even while expressing sympathy for Kean's illness.
