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Republican Tom Kean Jr. reveals depression diagnosis after his four-month absence from Congress
By Mike Catalini, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. disclosed Tuesday that he was being treated for depression during his unexplained four-month absence from the House, suggesting in a brief floor speech that he remained silent about his condition until now because he is a “private person by nature.”Depressi...
Key takeaway ”Kean’s reappearance came weeks after his victory in an uncontested primary on June 2 and months after he last cast his vote in the House.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The impending return of Tom Kean Jr. to Congress has implications that reverberate beyond New Jersey, affecting the balance of power in the House and potentially influencing local attitudes in Montgomery County, Texas, towards national politics. As a community within the Houston area, Magnolia residents may be interested in how Kean's prolonged absence and mysterious medical condition have factored into the dynamics of his reelection campaign. The fact that his district has changed hands in the last two midterm elections suggests a competitive and unpredictable electoral landscape, which could encourage local voters to pay closer attention to national races and their potential impact on local representation. With President Donald Trump's endorsement of Kean's reelection bid, the congressman's return to public life may also spark renewed interest in the role of national figures in shaping local political discourse.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. disclosed Tuesday that he was being treated for depression during his unexplained four-month absence from the House, suggesting in a brief floor speech that he remained silent about his condition until now because he is a “private person by nature.”Depressi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mike Catalini, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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