Rep. Tom Kean's campaign ad features his own staff after mental-health hiatus

Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.) spent four months in a mental-health facility before rejoining the House, where he soon posted a Facebook advertisement promoting his “thousands in tax relief” claim. The video depicts Kean on a street speaking with three individuals who are identified as his congressional staff: special projects coordinator Renee Trabert, director of operations Kristen Doran, and district deputy director J.D. Bryden.

The ad, submitted to the House Committee on Ethics, uses his franking privileges to reach constituents. Kean’s father, former governor Tom Kean Sr., said the depression will not be permanent and defended his son’s ability to serve. Political observers say Kean’s favorability has dropped sharply and the congressional race is now a toss-up against Democrat Rebecca Bennett. The ad also references Kean’s unsuccessful SALT Deductibility Act and a Medicaid spending cut tied to his tax proposal.