Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., said Tuesday that he was diagnosed with depression, explaining a months-long absence from Congress that had become a political liability in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts in the 2026 midterm elections.

Kean, a second-term Republican who represents New Jersey’s 7th District, had not cast a House vote since March 5 and missed more than 140 votes while he was away from Washington. His absence drew increasing questions as it lengthened without explanation. His office had previously described the absence only as a personal medical issue.

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