Rep. Tom Kean Opens up About Depression Behind Long Absence

WHO:

Gothamist - Tom Kean Jr. is the son of a former governor.

CNN - Republican Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey announced his health condition.

CNN - Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support for Kean's return and transparency regarding his health.

WHAT:

CNN - Kean stated, “Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay.”

CNN - Speaker Mike Johnson said, “It’s not an uncommon kind of condition and ailment that he’s been fighting, and I think people resonate with it.”

CNN - Kean emphasized, “There is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery, only the work of getting better one day at a time.”

NBC News - Kean thanked his family, supporters, and fellow lawmakers during his speech.

CNN - Kean stated it was “not an easy speech to give” as he addressed his health condition.

CNN - Kean expressed that he felt he owed his constituents and colleagues an explanation after months of keeping them in the dark.

CNN - Kean emphasized that he is now “healthier, stronger and ready to return to the work that I love.”

CNN - Kean remarked, “Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength,” addressing those who face depression without support.

CNN - Kean experienced severe depression that required a long-term hospital stay, keeping him away from Congress for more than 100 days.

NBC News - Kean's absence from Congress lasted nearly four months.

TMZ - Kean's absence was specifically 116 days.

WHERE:

CNN - Kean made his announcement in the House chamber.

WHEN:

CNN - Kean was diagnosed with depression early in the spring of the year.

NBC News - Kean returned to Congress after a nearly four-month absence.

WHY:

CNN - Kean acknowledged that many people face depression quietly and alone, stating, “Many do so quietly. Many do so alone. Many do so with a heavy burden that the rest of us never see.”

CNN - Kean stated that he felt he owed his constituents and colleagues an explanation after months of keeping them in the dark about his health condition.

CNN - Kean acknowledged that many people face depression quietly and alone, carrying a heavy burden that is often unseen.

CNN - Kean stated he entered the hospital due to health concerns and was diagnosed with depression.

CNN - He emphasized the importance of mental health care and acknowledged that many people face depression without receiving help.

HOW:

CNN - Kean emphasized that he was initially hesitant to remain hospitalized but ultimately chose to stay for treatment as recommended by doctors.

CNN - Kean was initially hesitant to remain hospitalized but ultimately chose to stay for treatment as recommended by doctors.

CNN - He described his recovery process as having "no timeline for healing" and emphasized the importance of getting better "one day at a time."

(UPDATED July 1, 2026 01:42 UTC)

Kean recently shared that he entered the hospital several months ago due to health concerns, not expecting it to lead to a long-term stay. Speaker Mike Johnson commented on Kean's condition, noting that it's not uncommon and that many people can relate to the struggles he faces. Kean also highlighted the importance of addressing mental health, acknowledging that many endure depression quietly and alone, carrying burdens that often go unseen.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 21:28 UTC)

Tom Kean Jr., the son of a former governor, recently addressed his supporters, family, and fellow lawmakers, expressing his gratitude during a speech. He explained that after months of keeping his health condition private, he felt it was important to provide an explanation to his constituents and colleagues. Kean also shared that he was initially hesitant to stay hospitalized but ultimately decided to follow his doctors' recommendations for treatment.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 19:39 UTC)

In a heartfelt address, Kean shared that it was “not an easy speech to give” as he opened up about his health condition, feeling it was important to explain his situation to his constituents and colleagues after months of silence. He emphasized that he is now “healthier, stronger and ready to return to the work that I love,” while also encouraging those struggling with depression to seek help, stating, “Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength.” Kean acknowledged the silent battles many face with depression, highlighting the heavy burden that often goes unseen.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 17:35 UTC)

Republican Representative Tom Kean of New Jersey has announced his health condition in the House chamber, revealing that he experienced severe depression that required a long-term hospital stay. His absence from Congress lasted 116 days, which kept him away for nearly four months. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support for Kean's return and emphasized the need for transparency regarding his health. Kean, who was diagnosed with depression early in the spring, highlighted the importance of mental health care and acknowledged that many individuals face similar struggles without seeking help. Although initially hesitant to remain hospitalized, he ultimately chose to stay for treatment, describing his recovery process as having "no timeline for healing" and focusing on getting better "one day at a time."