U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) (C) arrives on the U.S. Capitol together with his spouse Rhonda Kean (R) on June 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Anna Moneymaker | Getty Pictures
Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., mentioned Tuesday that he was recognized with despair, explaining a months-long absence from Congress that had change into a political legal responsibility in one of many nation’s best Home districts within the 2026 midterm elections.
Kean, a second-term Republican who represents New Jersey’s seventh District, had not solid a Home vote since March 5 and missed greater than 140 votes whereas he was away from Washington. His absence drew rising questions because it lengthened with out rationalization. His workplace had beforehand described the absence solely as a private medical concern.
“Once I mentioned I hope to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it,” Kean mentioned on the Home flooring, his first look there since March 5.
Kean continued, “These had been the perfect estimates the medical doctors might present, however because the over 48 million of my fellow Individuals being handled for this sickness have come to find — there isn’t any timeline for therapeutic, there isn’t any timeline for restoration, solely the work of getting higher in the future at a time.”
Kean mentioned he went to the hospital a number of months in the past for testing after experiencing well being issues and there obtained the despair prognosis. His medical doctors really helpful that he keep within the hospital for therapy, Kean mentioned.
“In the present day I’m grateful that I listened to my medical doctors,” Kean mentioned. “I’m grateful that I accepted assist as a result of at this time I stand earlier than you more healthy, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I like.”
Kean, 57, is operating for a 3rd time period towards Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and well being care government. Democrats have focused the seat as a prime pickup alternative. The Cook dinner Political Report with Amy Walter charges the seat as leaning towards Republicans. The positioning has not modified its ranking on the race since November.
The son of former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr., Kean has lengthy been a part of one of many state’s most distinguished Republican political households. He first received the seat in 2022 after defeating Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski.
