Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. returned to the House floor on Tuesday and disclosed that depression kept him away from Congress for nearly four months, ending a period of silence that had drawn scrutiny and speculation.
The New Jersey Republican said he checked into a hospital several months ago for testing after health concerns and received a depression diagnosis. Doctors advised extended treatment. Kean last cast a vote on March 5.
“I am grateful that I accepted help,” Kean said. “Today I stand before you healthier, stronger and excited to return to the work that I love.”
He described the illness as both physical and emotional. “Until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness could be,” he told colleagues.
Kean’s Extended Absence
Kean’s absence began in early March. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in April that the congressman was dealing with a medical issue but provided no further details at the time. Kean was rarely seen in Washington and did not offer public updates until recent weeks.
In his floor remarks, Kean said he initially believed the absence would last only a few weeks. Recovery took longer.
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He estimated that roughly 48 million Americans have faced similar struggles with depression and noted there is no fixed timeline for improvement.
The gap created problems for House Republicans, who hold a narrow majority. Kean’s seat mattered for key votes on party priorities.
Political Family and Recent Primary Win
Kean, 55, was first elected to Congress in 2022, defeating then-Rep. Tom Malinowski, a Democrat. He comes from a prominent New Jersey political family.
His father, Thomas Kean Sr., served as governor and later chaired the 9/11 Commission under President George W. Bush. Earlier generations of the family also served in Congress.
Despite his absence, Kean won the Republican primary earlier this month for the November midterm election. He will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett in the general election in New Jersey’s 7th District.
Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare executive, has made Kean’s absence a campaign issue. At a recent event she said, “Tom Kean Junior, wherever you are, you have failed this district.”
In a statement after Kean’s remarks Tuesday, Bennett said she was relieved he was well but added that his district had faced representation problems before the absence.
Impact on the Race and Mental Health Precedents
New Jersey’s 7th District remains competitive. Democrats view it as a potential flip opportunity as they seek to regain House control.
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Kean is not the first member of Congress to speak publicly about depression. In 2023, Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, took a leave of absence for treatment shortly after his diagnosis was made public.
Kean’s office had declined to provide additional details during his absence, which fueled rumors. He told colleagues Tuesday that discussing personal matters does not come easily to him, but he owed an explanation to his constituents, fellow lawmakers, and the public.
He said he miscalculated the length of his recovery but followed medical advice to remain in treatment. “It was my fastest route to recovery,” he said.
Kean’s return comes as the House continues work on major legislation before the August recess. His staff did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on his schedule or ongoing treatment.
