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NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – PoliticsJune 30, 2026Miami-Dade

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Returns to Congress After Medical Leave

New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. has returned to the House of Representatives following a four-month absence, disclosing that he was receiving treatment for depression. The absence had drawn attention due to the Republican Party's narrow majority in the House and the competitive nature of Kean's district.

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Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Politics

Why It Matters

The return of Rep. Kean restores a vote to the Republican majority in the House, which currently holds a narrow 218-212 margin, and clarifies the status of a candidate in a high-profile November election.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Tom Kean Jr. was absent from the House for four months due to treatment for depression.
  • Kean's last vote in the House occurred on March 5.
  • The House Republican majority currently stands at 218-212.
  • Kean won an uncontested primary election on June 2.
  • Kean is running for reelection in November against Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett.
  • Kean represents a battleground district in New Jersey that includes President Trump's Bedminster golf club.
  • The district has changed party control in the last two midterm elections (2018 and 2022).
  • Kean's office previously stated in April that he was dealing with a personal medical issue.

Who's Mentioned

personMike Johnson“Speaker of the House.”personTom Kean Jr.“Republican Representative from New Jersey who was absent for four months.”personTom Kean Sr.“Former New Jersey Governor and father of Tom Kean Jr.”personTom Malinowski“Former Representative defeated by Kean in 2022.”personLeonard Lance“Former Representative defeated in 2018.”personRebecca Bennett“Democratic nominee for the district.”personDonald Trump“Former President who endorsed Kean.”