NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returns to Congress following treatment for depression
New Jersey primary results set up high-stakes November races
Primary election results in New Jersey are setting the stage for key November matchups that could help shape the balance of power in Washington. Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and is set to face Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., while other races are taking shape across the state. Jessica Formoso also breaks down the Los Angeles mayoral race, where Mayor Karen Bass advanced to a runoff.
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is returning to Congress following a months-long absence, revealing that he had been away receiving treatment for depression.
What we know:
Addressing the House floor on Tuesday, Kean opened up about the physical and emotional toll of the illness, declaring that he has returned "healthier, stronger and excited" to get back to work.
Prior to his return, Kean had not voted in the House since March 5 and had missed over 100 votes, according to the Associated Press.
Despite his time away, Kean won an uncontested primary on June 2 and is continuing his campaign for reelection. In November, he will face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in what is expected to be one of New Jersey’s most closely watched and competitive races.
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Democrats view the district, which has flipped back and forth in recent election cycles, as a prime opportunity for a pickup. Trump has also endorsed Kean’s reelection.
Dig deeper:
As noted by the Associated Press, his extended absence created complications for House Republican leadership and Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been struggling to pass legislation with a razor-thin 218-212 majority.
The backstory:
Kean's political roots run deep in the state; his family's history in public service stretches back 250 years. His great-grandfather served as a U.S. senator, his grandfather was a congressman, and his father, Tom Kean Sr., was a two-term governor of New Jersey.
The Source: Information from this article was sourced from the Associated Press and previous reporting by FOX 5.