Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.) on Tuesday publicly revealed that depression has kept him away from the Capitol for nearly four months. In a speech on the House floor, Kean explained that he was hospitalized for depression and followed his doctors' advice to remain in treatment.
Kean's Hospitalization and Diagnosis
“I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression,” Kean said. “When I first informed the public I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself.”
While lawmakers often miss votes due to illness, an absence spanning months with no explanation is highly unusual. In April, Kean posted on social media that he was experiencing a “personal medical issue” with a full recovery expected. In May, his chief of staff told reporters, “There’s no cameras where Tom is.”
Political Implications and Criticism
Kean’s prolonged absence could affect his reelection bid in November. He faces Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot. After winning the Democratic primary earlier this month, Bennett criticized Kean for supporting Republican legislation to cut Medicare and for failing to stop President Donald Trump from withholding funding for a commuter tunnel. She also alluded to his absence: “Tom Kean Jr., wherever you are ― you have failed this district.”
Before Kean spoke, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters that depression is a common condition and that he expected understanding, though he would have handled it differently. “If it were me, I would have been more specific about that,” Johnson said.
