Kean Reveals Depression Absence

Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican, returned to the House after nearly four months away from Washington and disclosed that he had been hospitalized and treated for depression. Kean said he entered the hospital for testing several months earlier, received the diagnosis and remained under doctors’ care, missing more than 140 House votes after his last recorded vote on March 5. In a House floor speech, he said depression is “so much more” than simply feeling sad and told colleagues he returned “healthier, stronger, and excited” to resume work. The absence had drawn mounting questions from constituents, reporters and House leaders because Kean represents New Jersey’s competitive 7th District, a key battleground heading into the 2026 midterms.