By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrat Rebecca Bennett has defeated Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, NBC News projects, handing Democrats a key pickup in their bid for a House majority.
Kean's extended absence
Kean, a two-term congressman and son of a former New Jersey governor, was absent from Capitol Hill from March 5 to June 30 after being hospitalized and diagnosed with depression. He missed 140 votes during that period. His office initially cited a "personal medical issue" without details, prompting speculation. Upon his return, Kean described depression as a powerful physical and emotional illness.
Campaign attacks
Bennett, a healthcare executive and former Navy helicopter pilot, criticized Kean for supporting President Donald Trump's legislative agenda, which she said cut Medicaid for thousands in the district, and for backing Trump's approach to Iran. Kean countered by linking Bennett to healthcare companies he accused of denying coverage and overbilling taxpayers. House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned with Kean, framing the race as "common sense versus crazy."
Questions about office activity
While Kean was away, his office maintained a daily social media presence, continued drafting legislation, and submitted remarks to the Congressional Record that created the appearance he was delivering speeches in person. One entry dated June 2 commemorated a local Jewish federation anniversary.
