GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Reveals Depression Diagnosis Behind Four-Month Absence From Congress

New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. on Tuesday revealed that he spent nearly four months away from Congress after being diagnosed with depression, ending months of speculation surrounding his absence from public life.

“I am a private person by nature … 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 my absence,” Kean said during remarks on the House floor.

The 57-year-old Republican explained that he initially entered the hospital several months ago for medical testing and did not expect his stay to become a lengthy one.

“I was given the diagnosis of depression,” Kean said.

“Now 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.”

Kean said he remained hospitalized at the recommendation of his doctors despite his initial reluctance and eventually came to appreciate the decision.

“I began to understand not only my diagnosis, but how long depression had been affecting my life,” he said.

Addressing questions about why so little information had been released publicly, Kean explained that he himself was still trying to understand what was happening at the time.

“When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself,” he said.

“When I said I hoped to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates that the doctors could provide.”

He noted that recovery from depression does not follow a predictable schedule.

“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.”

Kean said he is now feeling healthier and ready to resume his duties in Congress.

“Today I am grateful that I listened to my doctors … 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.”

Kean had not cast a vote in the House since March 5, missing more than 140 roll calls during his absence.

The lack of information surrounding his condition fueled speculation for months, with aides describing it only as a “personal health matter” while saying the congressman was focused on recovery.

House Speaker Mike Johnson previously defended Kean’s privacy, saying the issue was not scandal-related and reminding reporters that members of Congress face health challenges just like anyone else.

Despite his absence from Washington, Kean won the Republican nomination for another term representing New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District after running unopposed in the primary.

He is expected to face Democrat Rebecca Bennett in what is expected to be one of the state’s most competitive congressional races this November.