Tom Kean Jr. Faces Tight Re-election Race in New Jersey

Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is fighting to retain his seat in New Jersey's seventh congressional district following a three-month absence from public view and Congress. Kean missed 100 votes without explanation before resurfacing in late June, later stating he had been hospitalized for depression.

Democratic newcomer Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare executive, is challenging Kean in a race the Cook Political Report recently shifted from toss-up to lean Democrat. While Kean's campaign manager, Harrison Neely, denies claims that the congressman avoids the press, reports indicate several media outlets have been ignored.

Financial support for Kean has shifted as the Congressional Leadership Fund and the Safety and Affordability Pac reportedly canceled their funding. However, Kean maintains his campaign remains fully funded through the National Republican Congressional Committee, which provided $6.2 million. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson criticized the timing of Kean's explanation for his absence, suggesting the disclosure should have occurred sooner.