Tom Kean Jr. Returns to Congress After Mystery Absence, Shares Health Battle

Republican Tom Kean Jr. has returned to congress following his mysterious absence, revealing the reason for his prolonged leave.

"I'm grateful that I accepted help," the New Jersey congressman, 57, said in a speech on the House floor during his return on Tuesday, June 30, revealing he was undergoing treatment for his mental health while away. "Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength."

Kean explained that he initially went to the hospital to undergo testing for other health concerns, but was ultimately diagnosed with depression.

"Now, when people hear the word ‘depression,' many people think … it means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that," he reflected. "It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be."

Kean added that while in treatment he "began to understand" the diagnosis and realized "how long depression had been affecting my life."

"There is no timeline for healing, there is no timeline for recovery, only the work of getting better one day at a time," Kean shared.

Kean first stepped away from Capitol Hill back in March. One month later, the politician shared via social media that he was dealing with a "personal medical issue."

"My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon," Kean wrote via X in late April. "I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent."

Kean's absence from congress went on for three months, during which time he missed more than 140 votes.

"I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult," he tweeted in April. "I am especially proud of my Congressional team, who have kept constituent services and legislative work moving forward without interruption, and my political team for ensuring the campaign continues to run strong."

Kean is also running for re-election as an unopposed Republican candidate. He will face off against Democrat Rebecca Bennett in the general election later this year. During the June primary race, President Donald Trump endorsed Kean amid the congressman's absence.

"Tom is working tirelessly to Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment," Trump wrote via X in June.

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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 2:09 PM.