After months in hospital for depression and more than 100 missed votes, Congressman Kean says he is 'stronger than ever'

Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. says he feels stronger than ever after spending months in hospital receiving treatment for depression. Kean, who is seeking re-election in New Jersey's competitive 7th District, addressed questions about his long absence from Congress in a podcast interview.

Speaking on the "Fox News Rundown" podcast to Mike Emanuel, Kean said his absence stemmed from a medical emergency. Nobody can schedule a medical emergency, he said, adding that while he was in the hospital they were able to tell people there was a medical situation with him.

Kean had been absent from Congress since early March and missed more than 100 votes before publicly disclosing his diagnosis. He returned to the House in June and spoke on the floor to disclose that he had been diagnosed with depression after spending months in hospital receiving treatment.

Referring to that floor speech, Kean said he had spoken about his depression because he wants to get rid of the stigma associated with any mental health condition. In the podcast he again stressed the importance of seeking mental health treatment.

His extended absence drew calls for transparency from lawmakers in both parties. In the competitive district it also became a focal point for his Democratic challenger, former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett.

Asked by Emanuel whether the absence had affected his standing with voters, Kean said he was feeling stronger than ever. He said he had to take his own mental health treatment seriously, and that the stigma associated with mental health treatment now needs to be removed.

Kean also pointed to his legislative record, highlighting his work on bipartisan legislation in New Jersey that sought to require health insurers to provide equal coverage for mental and physical health treatment. He said he continues to pursue similar efforts in Washington.