Thomas Kean Jr.

Thomas Kean Jr. is an American politician who served as a member of the New Jersey Senate from 2004 to 2023, representing the state's 21st legislative district. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly and was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in 2006. Kean is the son of former New Jersey Governor and 9/11 Commission chairman Thomas Kean.

Early life and education

Thomas Kean Jr. was born in Livingston, New Jersey, into a prominent political family. His father, Thomas Kean, served as the 48th Governor of New Jersey and later chaired the 9/11 Commission, while his grandfather, Robert Kean, was a longtime U.S. Representative. He attended Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Dartmouth College. He later received a Master of Arts in law and diplomacy from Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Political career

Kean began his political career working for the United States Department of State and as a legislative aide to Congressman Bob Franks. He was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2001, representing the 21st legislative district. In 2003, he won a special election to the New Jersey Senate, succeeding Richard Bagger. In the New Jersey Senate, Kean served as the Senate Minority Leader from 2008 to 2022, leading the Republican caucus. He was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in the 2006 election, narrowly losing to incumbent Bob Menendez. In 2022, he was elected to represent New Jersey's 7th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, succeeding retiring Democrat Tom Malinowski.

Electoral history

In the 2001 election, Kean was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He won a 2003 special election for the New Jersey Senate following the resignation of Richard Bagger. As the Republican nominee in the 2006 United States Senate election in New Jersey, he lost to Bob Menendez by a margin of less than ten percentage points. He was re-elected to the state senate in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2021. In the 2022 congressional election, he defeated incumbent Tom Malinowski in New Jersey's 7th congressional district.

Political positions

Kean is considered a moderate Republican. He has supported environmental initiatives, including protecting the Highlands region and funding for open space preservation. He has advocated for fiscal restraint, opposing tax increases proposed by Governors Jon Corzine and Phil Murphy. On social issues, he has a mixed record, having voted against same-sex marriage legislation but supporting certain LGBT rights measures. He has been a vocal critic of the Transportation Trust Fund management and has worked on bipartisan legislation concerning opioid addiction and mental health services.

Personal life

Kean is married to Rhonda Kean, and the couple has two children. He resides in Westfield, New Jersey. His family has deep roots in New Jersey politics, with his father, Thomas Kean, and grandfather, Robert Kean, both having served in high office. Outside of politics, he has been involved with various civic organizations, including the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Union County College Board of Governors. Category:1970 births Category:Living people Category:American politicians of Dutch descent Category:Dartmouth College alumni Category:Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy alumni Category:Members of the New Jersey General Assembly Category:New Jersey Republicans Category:New Jersey state senators Category:People from Livingston, New Jersey Category:Tufts University alumni