Congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett criticized Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s voting record and attendance just hours after he disclosed he had been receiving inpatient treatment for depression.
Bridgewater, NJ – Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett wasted little time responding after U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. announced he had undergone inpatient treatment for depression, issuing a statement that wished him well before sharply attacking his performance in Congress.
They say it’s the party of tolerance and compassion, but one Democrat running for Congress in New Jersey couldn’t even wait out a 24-hour grace period, launching immediately into her opponent online.
While Kean was absent from Congress, Bennett called him a coward, as he was receiving treatment for his depression.
Earlier Tuesday, Kean revealed he had sought treatment for depression and had taken a temporary leave from Congress. The announcement explained his recent absence from votes in Washington.
Bennett pivots from well wishes to criticism
In a statement posted on X, Bennett opened by saying she was “relieved” Kean was recovering.
“I am relieved that Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is well and continue to wish him good health,” Bennett wrote.
She quickly pivoted to argue that his absence was not the reason she entered the race.
“But let’s be clear: I got into this race because Tom Kean Jr. was failing our community long before this absence,” Bennett said.
Bennett blasted Kean for casting the deciding vote for what she called the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” claiming it increased health care costs and caused thousands of district residents to lose health insurance. She also criticized his handling of federal funding for the Gateway rail project and faulted him for supporting military action that she said increased costs for New Jersey families.
The candidate also referenced reports that Kean traded stocks while missing votes in Congress.
“This is the self-serving culture in Washington that New Jerseyans are rejecting, and the kind of behavior they are sick and tired of from career politicians,” Bennett wrote.
Race draws comparisons to governor’s contest
Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot who previously lived in Texas before moving to New Jersey, has drawn comparisons among political observers to Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill. Like Sherrill, Bennett’s first name is Rebecca, she served as a military pilot, relocated to New Jersey from another state, and launched a congressional campaign after her military career. She’s also a far-left progressive liberal, apparently with no compassion for her opponent’s illness.
Kean has not responded publicly to Bennett’s criticism since disclosing his treatment for depression.
The race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is expected to be among the state’s most closely watched contests in the upcoming election cycle.
Key Points
- Rebecca Bennett criticized Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s record shortly after he disclosed treatment for depression.
- Bennett argued she entered the race because of Kean’s voting record, not his recent medical leave.
- The former Navy pilot’s political profile has drawn comparisons to Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s early congressional campaign.
Related: Tom Kean Jr., Rebecca Bennett, New Jersey 7th Congressional District, Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Politics
Sources: Rebecca Bennett campaign (X), public statements by Rep. Tom Kean Jr.