Kean Returns to Congress After Absence, Prepares for Key Debate

Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress after a mysterious absence and faces his first debate against Democrat Rebecca Bennett in a pivotal New Jersey race.

Editorial Desk

September 27, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — Rep. Tom Kean, R-N.J., has returned to Congress following an unexplained four-month absence and is preparing for his first and only debate against Democrat Rebecca Bennett in the closely watched 7th Congressional District race.

Kean, who was hospitalized for depression, missed over 100 votes during his time away from the House. He has since resumed his duties and is now facing Bennett, a former Navy pilot and healthcare executive who won a competitive primary in June.

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The race, which includes President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club, has become a focal point of political spending and a key indicator of shifting party dynamics. Both candidates are vying for control of a district that has changed hands in each of the past two midterm elections.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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