Representative Tom Kean Jr. Returns After 142-Day Absence, Reveals Depression Diagnosis
Washington, D.C. – Representative Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) returned to the House floor on Tuesday after a 142-day absence, disclosing that he was diagnosed with depression earlier this year and has been hospitalized for treatment on his doctors' recommendation.
"I was given the diagnosis of depression. It is physical, it is emotional and, until you've experienced it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be."
Timeline and Absence
Kean last voted in the House on March 5, 2024. He subsequently missed more than 140 floor votes. In April, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Kean was dealing with an undisclosed medical issue.
Kean stated that he initially entered a hospital several months ago for medical testing. After receiving a diagnosis of depression, doctors recommended he continue with extended hospitalization as the fastest path to recovery. He acknowledged that his office had initially expected his absence to last weeks, rather than months.
Statements on Recovery
In floor remarks on Tuesday, Kean stated:
"There is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery, only the work of getting better one day at a time."
Speaker Johnson reportedly encouraged Kean to return and be transparent about his condition. Johnson described depression as a common condition, stating that people would empathize.
Kean declined to comment on the specific reasons for his initial hospitalization or the length of his stay.
Political Context
Kean, 57, is seeking a third term representing New Jersey's 7th congressional district. He won the Republican primary unopposed earlier this month despite his absence. In the 2022 election, he flipped the district from Democratic control. The district is considered competitive and is a target for both parties in the upcoming midterm elections.
Kean's absence created logistical challenges for House Republicans, who hold a narrow majority. His Democratic opponent, Rebecca Bennett, criticized Kean for being absent from his district during his leave.
Kean is not the first sitting member of Congress to publicly disclose a depression diagnosis. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) took medical leave in 2023 following a similar diagnosis.