Republican · New Jersey's 7th District · 2026
Thomas Kean Jr.
Tom Kean Jr. grew up in one of New Jersey's best known political families, the son of a former governor.
Biography
Thomas Kean Jr. met his wife, Rhonda, while working at the Environmental Protection Agency during George H.W. Bush's administration.1 They have two daughters and make their home in Westfield.2 While working in Washington, he also volunteered as a firefighter and emergency medical technician.1 He taught Sunday school earlier in his life.1
His father was New Jersey Governor Tom Kean, and his grandfather, Robert Kean, served in Congress.2 He graduated from Dartmouth in 1990 and earned a master's degree in law and diplomacy at Tufts University's Fletcher School in 1997.3 Before entering elected office, he worked for the EPA and Representative Bob Franks, and taught at Tufts.3
Kean served in the New Jersey Assembly beginning in 2001 and in the state Senate from 2003 through 2022, leading Senate Republicans from 2008 through 2022.3 Now in his second House term, he serves on Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs.1 He introduced a September 2026 bill to restrict Congress members' publicly funded air travel to coach class.4 The proposal remains pending in the House.5
His agenda includes reducing regulatory barriers for businesses, increasing domestic energy production and preserving local control over schools.5 He supports Israel's right to defend itself and has backed the U.S. war against Iran.5 Democrat Rebecca Bennett challenges him for the 7th District seat.5
Record and controversies
Absence from Congress and June return
Disclosed stock purchases and committee oversight
Kean's September 12 disclosure lists August purchases of Linde and MasTec shares, each valued between $1,001 and $15,000, through the Kean Family Partnership.7 Gothamist examined the companies' data center connections alongside his service on the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Communications and Technology Subcommittee.8 Kean said independent financial professionals make investment decisions without his input, knowledge or direction, and the filing likewise says third party advisers initiate the transactions.87
Verification limit: The records establish disclosed transactions and his explanation; an ethics or insider trading violation was not verified.