GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. reveals reason behind mysterious absence as he returns to Congress after nearly 4 months
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Supreme Court strikes down Trump birthright citizenship order in blow to president Politics breakingGOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. reveals reason behind mysterious absence as he returns to Congress after nearly 4 months
By Chris Nesi Published June 30, 2026, 11:21 a.m. ETSee more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on GoogleNew Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has revealed the reason behind his lengthy absence that kept him out of public view for nearly four months.
“I am a private person by nature … talking about myself has never come naturally. But I believe I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey’s 7th District, to my colleagues in this chamber and to the American people for my actions,” he began from the podium Tuesday morning.
“Several months ago due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I didn’t expect a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression,” Kean, 57, said in the extraordinary speech on the House floor.
“When people hear the word depression, many people think it simply means feeling sad. But 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 how powerful this illness can be.”
Despite his consternation, Kean said he stayed in the hospital at the recommendation of his doctors, a decision he came to be grateful for.
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“I began to understand not only my diagnosis, but how long depression had been affecting my life,” he said.
“When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself,” he said of the shroud of secrecy behind his absence.
“When I said I hope to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates my doctor could provide. But as over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery. Only the work of getting better one day at a time,” he said.
“Today I am grateful that I listened to my doctors … I am grateful that I accepted health. Because today I stand before you healthier, stronger and excited to return to the work that I love.”
Kean returned to his Westfield home Wednesday evening but declined to speak to a New York Times reporter, saying, “It’s good to see you. I’ll talk to you next week.”
The Republican’s spokesman, Harrison Neely, told the outlet in a subsequent text message that Kean would be “fully transparent” when he returned to work June 30.
Rumors swirled in Kean’s absence as his team wouldn’t comment on his disappearance beyond calling it a “personal health matter” and claiming the congressman was “focused on his recovery.”
Although the public had no information about his condition, the details were apparently known by Capitol Hill colleagues including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who earlier this month would only say, “I do know what his health issue is, but he’s asked me not to disclose that, and I’m going to honor that.”
He assured “it’s not a scandalous thing at all,” and reminded reporters that “people deal with health issues. Maybe that’s a news flash for you, but even members of Congress get sick as well.”
Kean hasn’t cast a House vote since March 5, missing more than 140 roll calls since. Some constituents had complained their calls or emails had gone unanswered.
His chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, inadvertently compounded the mystery May 12 with a cryptic explanation to the Times, “There’s no cameras where Tom is.”
During his absense, Kean won the Republican nomination for a third House term repping New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District after running in the primary unopposed.
He will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett in a race seen by many as a toss-up.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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Ole Miss Transfer Portal Spotlight: LB Keaton Thomas
Ole Miss Transfer Portal Spotlight: LB Keaton Thomas
The Ole Miss Rebels added a veteran presence at linebacker during the offseason.Tanner Shapiro|
In this story:
Ole Miss RebelsThe Ole Miss Rebels had a strong linebacker room during their historic 2025 season, led by Suntarine Perkins, who returns for the 2026 campaign and T.J. Dottery, who transferred to LSU following former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge.
Perkins is the leader of the defense, as he recorded 41 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception during the 2025 season. Perkins was a key factor in Ole Miss' victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff, as his strip sack provided the Rebels with crucial momentum during a pivotal moment of the game.
New head coach Pete Golding added linebacker Keaton Thomas from Baylor, a player who adds veteran experience and an extremely hard hitting presence to the Rebels' 2026 roster.
Thomas Brings Much Needed Experience
The Rebels will rely on the experience of Thomas and Perkins in 2026, as they navigate a new nine game SEC schedule. The duo of Thomas and Perkins could potentially be one of the best linebacker duos in the SEC, and maybe even in the country.
Thomas put up impressive numbers in 2025, as he recorded 62 solo tackles, one sack, and one interception. In 2024, Thomas recorded 62 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception, while also scoring a touchdown against TCU on a scoop and score.
Golding and his staff may have found the perfect linebacker to replace the production of T.J. Dottery. The Jacksonville, Fl., native has big shoes to fill, as the Rebels have had many stout linebackers over the past four seasons.
Thomas has strong attributes, including very good speed for a linebacker and impressive hands for the position. Expect Thomas to be a huge contributor to the defense.
Ole Miss Building an Elite Linebacker Room for 2026
Not only did Pete Golding go out and get Keaton Thomas, but he also added transfer linebacker Luke Ferrelli, who will help round out the defense and maintain the style of play Golding wants heading into a new and important 2026 season.
The Rebels will also have a different defensive identity in the secondary, as they added several new faces at defensive back. If the Rebels’ defensive back room lives up to the hype, the linebacking group should be able to thrive in 2026.
Ole Miss was not very good against the run last season, as the Rebels allowed 4.1 yards per carry to opposing rushers during the 2025 season. The Rebels will look to rely on Keaton Thomas to help address that issue.
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Published 5 minutes ago
TANNER SHAPIROTanner Shapiro is a senior at the University of Mississippi pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in marketing. He is a staff writer for The Daily Mississippian, covering basketball and contributing sports coverage for the campus community. Outside of journalism, Tanner enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with friends.
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Use Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS for $15 bonus on Ivory Coast-Norway, Mexico-Ecuador at 2026 World Cup
There are three more Round of 32 matches in the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, and that's three more chances for new users to deploy the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS to get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades. Sign up for the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS, trade $15 and receive your $15 bonus here:
SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green has revealed his picks and analysis for Norway vs. Ivory Coast, France vs. Sweden and Mexico vs. Ecuador, and we've taken his top soccer predictions to compile our best Tuesday Kalshi trades for World Cup 2026. Kalshi prices Norway at $0.65 per share to advance, while the Ivory Coast is trading at $0.36 per share.
For the full terms and conditions and how to claim the referral, read our Kalshi referral code review.
How to claim the Kalshi referral code
New users can use the Kalshi referral code to claim this offer. For those who haven't used Kalshi and want a $15 bonus, follow these steps below. Here's how to sign up.
- Click "CLAIM BONUS" on this page or click here.
- Sign up for a Kalshi account and make a deposit.
- Trade at least $15 in event contracts.
- Receive your $15 bonus regardless of the trade outcomes. The credit expires in 30 days and cannot be withdrawn.
After making the first $15 in trades with the Kalshi referral code, new users will be given a $15 bonus here:
Kalshi prediction markets to target on Tuesday
- Norway vs. Ivory Coast: Norway to win in regulation ($0.47 per share)
- France vs. Sweden: Both teams to score ($0.55 per share)
- Mexico vs. Ecuador: First half tie ($0.50 per share)
Norway vs. Ivory Coast: Norway to win in regulation ($0.47 per share)
"Norway's superior attacking firepower could make the difference in this game. They scored seven goals in their first two group stage games - a 4-1 win against Iraq and a 3-2 victory over Senegal - before resting 10 players for their 4-1 defeat to France this week," Green said. "The likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard will now be fresh for this game, and they could lead their team to victory over Ivory Coast. The Ivorians beat Ecuador and Curaçao in the group stage, but they lost to Germany, and they could struggle against another strong European team." Trade Ivory Coast vs. Norway here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades:
France vs. Sweden: Both teams to score ($0.55 per share)
"The defense has looked a little shaky at times, and France's midfield isn't as strong as Spain's or Portugal's, but the French attack is phenomenal. That gives them a great chance of outscoring any opponent -- especially a Sweden team that leaks goals," Green said. "Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Yasin Ayari, and Anthony Elanga are dangerous in attack for Sweden, and they could cause problems for the French defense." Trade Sweden vs. France here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades:
Mexico vs. Ecuador: First half tie ($0.50 per share)
"Everything points to a tense, low-scoring game between two evenly matched teams on Tuesday. Mexico's overall squad is probably the deeper of the two, but Ecuador boasts more star power in Chelsea's Caicedo, Paris Saint-Germain's Pacho and Arsenal's Piero Hincapié," Green said. "All three of Ecuador's group games were tied at halftime, and Mexico's last two were also tied at the break, 0-0 against South Korea and 0-0 against Czechia, which makes backing a halftime draw at -105 attractive. The first half could be tight and cagey." Trade Ecuador vs. Mexico here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades:
Responsible risk management
It's a top priority for Kalshi to look out for its users. Kalshi equips every trader with accessible risk management tools that can be enabled at any given time, including risk management actions like trading break, voluntary opt-out, and a personalized funding cap.
Prediction Markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - an independent agency of the U.S. federal government.
Event contracts trading involves a risk of substantial loss and is not suitable for all investors. Participation in prediction markets is subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Participation may be restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions and participants are responsible for ensuring their participation complies with applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.
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