Battleground Republican declares he is ‘stronger than ever’ as he addresses scrutiny over missed votes

Representative Tom Kean Jr. says he is “stronger than ever” as he seeks re-election in New Jersey’s competitive 7th District, responding to scrutiny over missed congressional votes during a months-long hospital stay. He said the absence followed a medical emergency and disclosed that he had been treated for depression, saying he wanted to help reduce stigma around mental health care.

Kean returned to the House in June after being absent since early March, missing more than 100 votes; a related headline cited 135 missed roll calls. His absence prompted calls for transparency from lawmakers in both parties and became an issue for Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett. Kean also highlighted bipartisan work in New Jersey on equal insurance coverage for mental and physical health treatment and said he is pursuing similar efforts in Washington.