NJ GOP Chair Demands Apology From Bennett Over Kean Jr.'s 2025 Depression Hospitalization
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 5
NJ GOP Chair Demands Apology From Bennett Over Kean Jr.'s 2025 Depression Hospitalization
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 5
Summary
Christine Hanlon, New Jersey’s GOP chair, said Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett owes Rep. Tom Kean Jr., his family and 7th District voters an apology after Kean disclosed depression and a hospitalization.
Tuesday’s disclosure drew bipartisan sympathy, but Republicans tied it to Bennett’s earlier attack after winning last month’s nomination, when she addressed Kean “wherever you are” and called him a “coward” over Trump.
Bennett’s camp rejected the push, saying Republicans were “locked and loaded” before hearing her response and that her campaign will keep focusing on Kean’s voting record rather than personal issues.
Tom Malinowski said many voters will likely hold both reactions at once — sympathy for Kean and fresh questions about his fitness to seek another term after weeks of scrutiny over his absence.