Rep. Kean Jr. Returns, Reveals Depression Diagnosis
The Spin
Republican narrative
Kean's return to Congress after his long battle with depression is a powerful reminder that mental illness doesn't discriminate. In these circumstances, Kean was both right to ask for help and to follow his doctors' orders until he had fully recovered. Now back in Congress, he will pick up from where he left off, serving the people of New Jersey to the very best of his ability.
Democratic narrative
It is ironic that while Kean sought help for depression, he has spent his political career making it more difficult for others less fortunate than he to do the same. His vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill, for example, made mental health treatment harder for low-income Americans to access, while his years-long opposition to paid sick leave has left ordinary American workers in the lurch.