Rep. Tom Kean Returns to Congress After Depression Treatment

WASHINGTON — Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) returned to the Capitol on Tuesday after a 117-day absence, revealing in an emotional House floor speech that he had been diagnosed with depression and underwent a long-term hospital stay. His last vote in the chamber was on March 5, and he missed more than 140 votes during his absence.

“Several months ago, due to health concerns, 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, according to NBC News. His doctors “recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness.”

Kean described depression as far more than sadness. “It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be,” he said. “Today, I am grateful that I listened to my doctors. I stand before you healthier, stronger and excited to return to the work that I love.”

A Prolonged Mystery

Kean’s absence had become one of Washington’s most puzzling mysteries. The two-term congressman from New Jersey’s 7th district — a competitive swing seat that President Donald Trump won by just one point in 2024 — simply vanished from public view. His office offered no explanation, and colleagues said they hadn’t heard from him.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters in April that he had spoken with Kean and that the congressman was “attending to a personal health matter.” By June, Johnson acknowledged he knew the diagnosis but had been asked not to disclose it, as CBS News reported. “It’s not a scandalous thing at all,” Johnson said.

The media scrutiny intensified. NBC News reporters went to Kean’s district and knocked on doors. The New York Times tracked him down at his Westfield, New Jersey home, where he answered in a suit and tie but declined to give details. His social media accounts continued posting in the first person, and he digitally signed official disclosure documents, deepening the confusion.

Political Stakes in a Swing District

Kean’s return comes at a critical moment. Republicans hold a razor-thin 218-212 majority in the House, making every vote consequential. During his absence, Kean missed votes on ICE funding, a measure to rein in Trump’s Iran war powers, and other key legislation.

Kean ran unopposed in the June 3 Republican primary and will face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in the November general election. The Cook Political Report rates the seat as a “toss up,” and the race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country, with potential implications for control of the House.

Trump gave Kean a “Complete and Total Endorsement” on Truth Social earlier this month, calling him a “Great Representative” and “Tremendous Advocate of our America First Agenda,” according to TIME.

Bennett, however, seized on Kean’s prolonged absence. “I certainly wish him well, and I hope he has a speedy recovery,” she said in a statement. “But let’s be clear: He has absolutely failed this district.” She pointed to his absence during votes on Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and funding for the Gateway Tunnel, a critical infrastructure project for New Jersey commuters.

Mental Health in the Public Eye

Kean’s disclosure is notable for its rarity in American politics, where mental health struggles have historically been stigmatized. His speech drew praise from both sides of the aisle for its candor.

“Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength,” Kean said on the House floor. “There is no timeline for healing, there is no timeline for recovery, only the work of getting better one day at a time.”

The case also highlights the lack of formal leave policies for members of Congress. Unlike federal employees, who are entitled to 12 weeks of paid Family and Medical Leave, members have no statutory framework for extended absences, leaving accountability entirely to voters.

What’s Next

Kean has returned to his duties and will need to rebuild his public presence after months away. The November election against Bennett will be closely watched as a bellwether for the national political environment. Meanwhile, his disclosure may prompt renewed discussion about mental health resources and leave policies for members of Congress.

Speaker Johnson predicted Kean would “get re-elected easily this fall.” Whether voters agree will be decided at the ballot box in November.