Biography

Thomas Howard Kean Jr. is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District since January 3, 2023. He was re-elected in 2024, defeating Democratic challenger Sue Altman.

Kean comes from a prominent political family; his father, Thomas Kean Sr., served as Governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990, and his grandfather, Robert Kean, was a U.S. Representative from New Jersey.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in History from Dartmouth College.
• Master's Degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Political Experience

• New Jersey General Assembly: Appointed in April 2001 to fill a vacancy; elected to a full term in November 2001.
• New Jersey State Senate: Appointed in March 2003; elected to a full term in November 2003. Served as Minority Leader from 2008 to 2022.
• U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2022; re-elected in 2024.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Committee Assignments:

  • 119th Congress:
  • Committee on Foreign Affairs: Chair of the Europe Subcommittee.
  • Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • 118th Congress:
  • Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure.
  • Committee on Science, Space, & Technology.

• Legislative Focus: Advocated for lowering costs for families, improving healthcare access, supporting infrastructure development, boosting domestic innovation, and enhancing educational opportunities.

• Community Engagement: Secured over $24 million in federal funds for his district and returned $17 million to New Jersey residents.

• Bipartisan Efforts: Member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and the Climate Solutions Caucus, emphasizing collaborative solutions to national issues.

Kean resides in Westfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Rhonda, and their two daughters.