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NewsNBC San Diego — PoliticsJune 30, 2026California

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

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

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Why It Matters

The return of Rep. Kean restores a vote to the Republican majority in the House, which currently holds a 218-212 margin, impacting the party's ability to pass legislation.

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.
  • The district Kean represents is considered a battleground seat that has changed parties in the last two midterm elections.
  • Kean defeated Tom Malinowski in 2022; Malinowski defeated Leonard Lance in 2018.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed he was in contact with Kean during the absence.

Who's Mentioned

personTom Malinowski“Former Democratic Representative defeated by Kean in 2022.”personDonald Trump“Former President who endorsed Kean's reelection.”personMike Johnson“Speaker of the House who commented on Kean's return.”personLeonard Lance“Former Republican Representative defeated in 2018.”personTom Kean Sr.“Former New Jersey Governor and father of Tom Kean Jr.”personTom Kean Jr.“Republican Representative from New Jersey who returned to Congress after a medic”personRebecca Bennett“Democratic nominee for the district in the upcoming November election.”