Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Defends Record While Campaigning After Depression Hospitalization

Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., is back. After a months-long hospitalization for depression, the New Jersey congressman is defending his record as he campaigns in the competitive 7th District. He claims to be "stronger than ever."

The absence wasn't planned. Kean spoke on "The Fox News Rundown" podcast to explain why he missed so many roll calls. It was a medical emergency.

"Nobody can schedule a medical emergency, and we were able to discuss and tell people while I was in the hospital that we [had] a medical situation in the family with me," Kean told Mike Emanuel of Fox News.

He addressed the stigma directly. Kean revealed his diagnosis on the House floor upon his return in June. He wanted to be open about his struggle with depression.

"I also spoke on the House floor when I returned that I'd been in the hospital for depression because I want to get rid of the stigma associated with any mental health condition," he stated.

The timeline is stark. Kean missed more than 100 votes before making his diagnosis public. He had been absent since early March. That gap drew sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle.

His Democratic challenger, Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, used the absence to attack his commitment. The district is a swing seat, and voters are watching closely.

Emanuel asked if the long break hurt his standing with constituents. Kean dismissed the concern.

"As I said, I'm feeling stronger than ever. And I tell them the same issue that I just talked to you about. The fact that I had to treat my own mental health, I had to take that seriously," Kean said.

He emphasized the reality of his treatment.

"I was in the hospital for those months that I was away. I spoke on the House floor that I had depression, and now we need to get rid of any stigma associated with mental health treatment."

Kean points to his legislative work as proof of his dedication. He highlights bipartisan efforts in New Jersey to force health insurers to cover mental and physical health equally. He says he is pushing for similar protections in Washington.