NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returns to DC after 4-month absence, reveals depression diagnosis
WESTFIELD, New Jersey (WABC) -- After a mysterious four-month absence, New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has returned to Capitol Hill.
The New Jersey Republican revealed he was diagnosed with depression and hospitalized after undergoing medical testing. Until now, he had disclosed only that he was dealing with a medical issue.
Residents of New Jersey's 7th Congressional District had been left in the dark about the whereabouts of Kean. He disappeared in early March and was absent for 116 days, with the only explanation being an undisclosed medical condition. Last week, he reappeared at his home and said he would address the issue.
During his absence from Congress, Kean missed more than 100 votes. He was seen near his House office Tuesday and finally spoke publicly about his prolonged absence, saying that after medical testing, he was diagnosed with depression.
"I did not believe this would result in a long-term stay," he said.
"Depression is so much more than that. It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand it," Kean said. "I am a private person by nature. Talking about myself has never come naturally. If sharing my story encourages even one person to seek help, then this moment will have been worthwhile."
Kean continued collecting his congressional salary during his absence. He is scheduled to hold a conference call with Republican officials at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The mystery over Kean's absence carries potential political implications, given the competitive district he represents and the Republican Party's narrow control of the House. His office has said he is still running for reelection and is set to face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in New Jersey's most high-profile contest in November. He's expected to attend a fundraiser on Tuesday night.
Trump has endorsed Kean's reelection, without mentioning his absence.
Kean comes from a long line of public servants, stretching 250 years to the country's founding when one of his ancestors became New Jersey's first leader since independence.
His great-grandfather was a senator, his grandfather was a congressman and his father is the former two-term governor, Tom Kean Sr.
(ABC News contributed to this report)
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