Congressman Thomas Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) (C) arrives at the U.S. Capitol with his wife Rhonda Keene (R) on June 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images
Rep. Tom Keene Jr. (RN.J.) announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with depression, explaining his months-long absence from Congress that has become a political liability in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
Keene, a two-term Republican who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has not cast a House vote since March 5, missing out by more than 140 votes while away from Washington. As the absences dragged on without explanation, questions grew. His office had previously described the absence only as a personal medical issue.
“When I said I wanted to be back in a few weeks, I believed it,” Keene said in his first appearance on the House floor since March 5.
Keene continued, “These were the best estimates doctors could provide. But as the more than 48 million fellow Americans being treated for this disease have discovered, there is no timeline for a cure or a timeline for recovery, just getting better one day at a time.”
Mr Keene said he went to the hospital a few months ago for tests after feeling concerned about his health, where he was diagnosed with depression. Keene said doctors recommended he be hospitalized for treatment.
“I’m grateful that I listened to my doctor today,” Keene said. “I’m grateful that I accepted the help, because today I stand before you all healthier, stronger, and excited to get back to the job I love.”
Keene, 57, is running for a third term against Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and health care executive. Democrats are targeting this seat as an opportunity to make a top pick. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rates the seat as leaning Republican. The site has not changed its rating for the race since November.
Mr. Keene, the son of former New Jersey Governor Tom Keene Sr., has long been a member of one of the state’s most prominent Republican political families. He first won the seat in 2022, defeating Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski.
