Kean Reveals Depression kept him from Congress for Months

[NJCher]

New Jersey congressman says he spent months hospitalized for treatment after diagnosis, ending speculation over his prolonged absence from Capitol Hill

By David Wildstein, June 30 2026 11:11 am

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Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. disclosed Tuesday that he has spent the last several months hospitalized for depression, revealing for the first time why the two-term New Jersey Republican has not cast a vote in Congress since March.

Speaking on the House floor, Kean said he entered the hospital for testing several months ago and never expected it would become “a long-term stay,” an absence that caused him to miss 140 roll call votes.

“I was given the diagnosis of depression. When people hear the word depression, many think it simply means feeling sad. But depression is so much more than that. It is physical. It is emotional,” Kean said. “Until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.”

Kean, 57, said his doctors recommended that he remain in the hospital to treat his depression.

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Link to NJ Globe