Tom Kean Jr.

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Describes himself as "an independent leader" working to lower the cost of living, protect health care and strengthen communities.[1]
• Says he fought for the $40,000 SALT deduction cap in the 2025 reconciliation law, which he says gives tax relief to middle-class New Jersey families.[4],[5]
• Says his office has returned $61 million to New Jersey residents and secured $38 million for local projects.[2]

Background

• U.S. Representative, New Jersey District 7 (Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs committees), U.S. House of Representatives · 2023–present[3],[2]
• Republican nominee for U.S. Senate (lost to Bob Menendez), New Jersey · 2006[6]
• State Senator, including Senate Republican Leader (2008–2022), New Jersey Senate · 2003–2022[6],[2]
• Member of the General Assembly, New Jersey General Assembly · 2001–2003[6],[2]
• Legislative staffer to Rep. Bob Franks; earlier an appointee at the Environmental Protection Agency under President George H.W. Bush, U.S. House; U.S. EPA[2]

Education

• B.A., Dartmouth College[2],[6]
• M.A. in Law and Diplomacy; doctoral studies (all but dissertation), Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University[2]

Where they stand

• Taxes
  Supports restoring the full state and local tax (SALT) deduction and voted for the 2025 law that raised the cap to $40,000; says the cap amounts to double taxation of New Jerseyans.[4],[5]
• Health Care
  Says he supports coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, expanded telemedicine and an end to surprise billing, and introduced a bill he says would reduce Medicare premiums for seniors who pay income-related surcharges.[7]
• Immigration
  Says border security is national security and calls for permanently securing the border and enforcing the rule of law; says he supports protecting children brought to the country illegally through no fault of their own.[8]
• Energy & Environment
  Supports an "all-the-above" energy policy to boost domestic production, and introduced a bipartisan bill to study the Upper Raritan River for Wild and Scenic River designation.[9]
• Housing
  Introduced bills to create a housing affordability tax credit and, with Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), to provide financial relief to renters.[10]

Voting record

A selection of notable recorded votes. Not a complete record.

In their words