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GOP Rep. Tom Kean announces depression diagnosis after mysterious monthslong absence from Congress
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 30, 2026
· 5 min read
By Sarah Ferris, CNN
(CNN) — Republican Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey said Tuesday that he experienced severe depression that required a long-term stay in the hospital, keeping him away from Washington more than 100 days.
Kean announced his previously undisclosed health condition in highly anti...
Key takeaway Tom Kean of New Jersey said Tuesday that he experienced severe depression that required a long-term stay in the hospital, keeping him away from Washington more than 100 days.
Why this matters in The El Paso
While Rep. Tom Kean's announcement may seem like a distant event in New Jersey, his story resonates in El Paso , where mental health support is a pressing concern. The city's residents face unique challenges, including a high cost of living and limited access to healthcare services, which can exacerbate mental health issues like depression. Kean's experience highlights the importance of seeking help and reducing stigma around mental illness. In El Paso, local organizations and healthcare providers are working to expand mental health services, including counseling and therapy programs. As Kean returns to work, his newfound awareness of the millions struggling with depression may inform his policy decisions, potentially benefiting communities like El Paso. Residents here will be watching to see if Kean's personal experience translates into action on mental health legislation, which could have a direct impact on the city's efforts to support its own residents struggling with mental health issues.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Sarah Ferris, CNN
(CNN) — Republican Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey said Tuesday that he experienced severe depression that required a long-term stay in the hospital, keeping him away from Washington more than 100 days.
Kean announced his previously undisclosed health condition in highly anti...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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