RedState has kept abreast of the absence of Republican Rep. Tom Kean (NJ-07). According to reporting, Kean has been absent from the House of Representatives since March 5, missing 142 consecutive votes.
As RedState reported in April, after the media questioned House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) about Kean's absence, Johnson revealed that he had reached out to Kean, and that Kean was battling an unspecified "personal health matter."
In a blue state representing a purple district, Kean also finds himself in the midst of a competitive race for reelection. While Kean won the June 2 Republican primary handily, he has Libertarian and Democrat opponents who are looking to unseat him, and this lengthy absence is one more implement to use in order to knock Kean out of Congress.
We have Rep Tom Kean’s political snapshot for anyone unfamiliar with him 📸 pic.twitter.com/qcy6vBDJ6H
— Politician Pages (@politicianpages) June 30, 2026
Read More: NJ Rep. Tom Kean, the Absentee Congressman Has Scheduled His Return
Not a Good Look: Speaker Johnson Finally Reaches AWOL New Jersey Rep. Thomas Kean Jr
On Tuesday, with clearance from his doctors and true to his word, Kean returned to the House of Representatives and addressed this absence. Kean began his speech stating the obvious — that this would not be easy for him.
Kean began:
"Talking about myself has never come naturally. But I believe that I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey's 7th district, to my colleagues in this chamber, and to the American people for this absence."
I’m a private person by nature, so sharing my story wasn’t easy. But if speaking openly about what I’ve been through helps even one person know they’re not alone, then it was worth it.
— Tom Kean (@KeanForCongress) June 30, 2026
I’m deeply grateful for the prayers, kindness, and support I’ve received. https://t.co/8PqyJkO9hk
Kean continued, stating that what started as a routine hospital visit for some testing to address health concerns turned into a diagnosis of depression.
Kean explained:
"When people hear the word depression, many people think it simply means feeling sad. But depression is so much more than that. It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.
"The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that this would be the fastest way to recovery. And to be honest, I was hesitant. I didn't think that I had time for it. I had responsibilities to my family, I had responsibilities to my constituents, I had responsibilities to this institution. And like many people, I believed that I could simply push through. But I agreed to follow my doctor's recommendation, again, not believing it that it would result in a long-term stay.
"I began to understand not only my diagnosis, but how long depression had been affecting my life.
"When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself. When I said I hoped to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates the doctors could provide.
"But as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing, there is no timeline for recovery, only the work of getting better, one day at a time."
This speech not only served to help Kean explain his absence, but also served to humanize him. With Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s focus on not just improving America's mental health outcomes, but also on how mental illnesses like depression can be addressed and treated holistically, Kean's experience may well help bring more awareness.
Through this speech, it seems Kean was hoping this disclosure would do just that.
"Today, I am grateful that I listened to my doctors. And I am grateful for the exceptional care that I received from doctors, nurses, and support staff. I am grateful that I accepted help. Because today, I stand before you, healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love.
"I have always been a supporter of mental health care. During my time in the New Jersey legislature, I worked to advance mental health parity. I believed in the cause then, and I understand it in a far more personal way now.
"This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the millions of Americans who face these challenges each and every day. Many do so quietly. Many do so alone. Many do so while carrying burdens that the rest of us never see. And to them I would say, asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength."
Kean concluded with thanksgiving: for his constituents, his staff, and his family.
"To my constituents, thank you. Thank you for your patience, thank you for your understanding, thank you for your prayers. And thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you.
"I also want to thank my staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that our office continued serving constituents every day during my absence.
"And most importantly, I want to thank my family. Whose love, whose support, and whose faith carried me through some very difficult days."
Kean emphasized that what he experienced has nothing to do with politics.
"This is not a partisan issue. It touches every community, every family, and every corner of this country. If sharing my story encourages even one person to seek help, if it gives one family the courage to have a difficult conversation, or if it reminds one person that recovery is possible, then this moment will have been worthwhile.
"I am grateful to be back with the full support of my doctors. I am grateful to be healthy. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. Thank you. May God Bless the people of New Jersey and may God Bless the United States of America."
Despite the fact that Kean's speech was not given for partisan purposes, his Democrat colleague in the Senate and his Democrat opponent for District 7 quickly pulled out the long knives.
Sen. Andy Kim's (D-NJ) response was particularly cutting in light of Kean's admission.
I wish Congressman Kean continued progress in his battle against depression. I come from a family with a history of depression and have seen my loved ones struggle.
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) June 30, 2026
I believe every person should have access to mental health support, including paid time off and sick leave.… https://t.co/nyvfm1iLb4
I wish Congressman Kean continued progress in his battle against depression. I come from a family with a history of depression and have seen my loved ones struggle.
I believe every person should have access to mental health support, including paid time off and sick leave.
Congressman Kean has opposed these very benefits for all workers that Members of Congress get. It’s time for that to change.
Democrat candidate for District 7 Rebecca Bennett went for the jugular.
I am relieved that Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is well and continue to wish him good health.
— Rebecca Bennett (@RebeccaForNJ07) June 30, 2026
But let’s be clear: I got into this race because Tom Kean Jr. was failing our community long before this absence. He was the deciding vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill, which jacked up… pic.twitter.com/cNYxwKPzPG
I am relieved that Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is well and continue to wish him good health.
But let’s be clear: I got into this race because Tom Kean Jr. was failing our community long before this absence. He was the deciding vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill, which jacked up health care costs for everyone and kicked thousands off of their health insurance in our district. He has consistently failed to stand up for our communities, including when funding for the Gateway project was threatened. And he voted in favor of a reckless war that has made everything more expensive for New Jersey families.
Yet Tom Kean Jr. still somehow found time to trade stocks while missing votes. This is the self-serving culture in Washington that New Jerseyans are rejecting, and the kind of behavior they are sick and tired of from career politicians.
I spent my life serving this country in uniform, and I’m ready to serve our district in Congress. It’s time we hold Tom Kean Jr. accountable for his record and bring a new generation of leadership to Washington.
Did Bennett draw blood? Remains to be seen. It's still a long way to November, and the hope is that Kean is fit enough to be back in the saddle and able to defend his seat.
Kean's full five-minute speech is here.
WATCH:
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member