TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman Leroy J. Jones, Jr. today released the following statement on Tom Kean Jr.’s return and calling out Republican State Committee Chair Christine Hanlon’s ridiculous attack on congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett:

“I want to join so many across the 7th Congressional District and throughout New Jersey, including congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett, in expressing my relief to hear that U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is doing well and receiving the care he needs as he battles depression. Millions of Americans face these same struggles every day, and they need to be taken very seriously by all. 

“I’d like to know why newly installed Republican State Committee Chair Christine Hanlon and the New Jersey Republican Party don’t agree, because that is the only explanation for the ridiculous, partisan statement released by Ms. Hanlon today.

“The thought that Ms. Hanlon would attempt to lecture anyone on ‘political posturing’ or ‘cruel rhetoric’ while serving the Trump and MAGA Republican agenda would be laughable if it wasn’t so disrespectful. We are talking about a political party aggressively trying to suppress Democratic votes, circumvent our nation’s Constitution with an unsanctioned war driving up gas prices, rip away healthcare from millions, all while the Trump administration ignores its legal obligation to release the full Epstein Files.

“What does Ms. Hanlon have to say about any of that? Absolutely nothing. But today she couldn’t wait to hit send on her prepared statement for her and MAGA's political gain.  

“New Jersey Democrats have seen and heard enough of the Republican Party’s disingenuous, dangerous, and hypocritical political rhetoric. Whether it is protecting voters’ rights, standing up for healthcare access and mental health resources, fighting for our hard-working immigrant friends and neighbors, or simply pointing out ridiculous statements, we simply will not allow these New Jersey Republicans to continue pushing false narratives while seemingly trying to create their own reality without response.

“Voters in the 7th District deserved better than what Christine Hanlon and the Republican Party served up today. They deserve to know how Tom Kean Jr. could now possibly justify his deciding vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill to increase the price of healthcare and kick 44,000 vulnerable New Jerseyans in his district off of Medicaid. We will join Rebecca Bennett in continuing to hope and pray for his ongoing recovery while also working to highlight Tom Kean Jr.’s long record of failing New Jersey families. I’m confident both things can be accomplished."