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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 / 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 The Pearland
The situation with Tom Kean Jr. may seem distant to Pearland residents, but the implications of his absence and potential return to Congress can have a ripple effect on the Houston area. As part of the larger Houston metropolitan region, Pearland's own congressional representation and local policies can be influenced by the balance of power in Washington. With the Republican Party holding a narrow control of the House, Kean's return and potential voting record could impact legislation that affects Brazoria County and surrounding areas. Furthermore, the competitive nature of Kean's district and the Democratic Party's efforts to target the seat could lead to increased political engagement and activism in the region, potentially spilling over into local elections and issues in Pearland. As the midterm elections approach, Pearland residents may want to keep an eye on how national politics, including Kean's situation, could shape local outcomes.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mike Catalini, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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