Christine Hanlon, the state's Republican Chair, was quick to stand behind Tom Kean Jr.

Here is part of what she said in a statement Tuesday.

"New Jersey and the nation saw the true character of Tom Kean Jr., one of honesty, humility, and extraordinary courage. Congressman Kean returned to the House floor and spoke openly about one of the most difficult chapters of his life.

He reminded us that real strength is not measured by political posturing or cruel rhetoric. It is measured by the willingness to face adversity and continue a life of dedicated and honorable service to the people of New Jersey and our great nation.
That is why challenger Rebecca Bennett’s recent attacks are so reprehensible. She repeatedly called Tom Kean a ‘coward’ while he was privately facing one of the greatest challenges any person can endure. Those words were not just false. They were ugly, cruel, and beneath the dignity of anyone seeking public office."

The campaign in CD-7 is just beginning, and the above likely will be a Republican theme.

Yes, Bennett has called Kean a "coward" on the campaign stump.

Her point was twofold.

Kean has been afraid to stand up to Donald Trump on issues impacting the state (think Gateway Tunnel) and his refusal to explain - until now - why he was absent from Congress for nearly four months.

As reasonable observers have said and written, people with serious medical ailments deserve sympathy and understanding.

At the same time, the refusal of the congressman or his staff to disclose his ailment until Tuesday can not be ignored. This is not a private health matter when it involves a member of Congress.That will remain an issue.

As will be Kean's behavior going forward.

Obviously by design, Kean's comments were delivered on the floor of the House and not at, say, a press conference where he could be questioned.
So, will the congressman's traditional reluctance to engage with the press and the general public change?

At any rate, Bennett issued a statement of her own. Here it is.

“I am relieved that Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is well and continue to wish him good health.

“But let’s be clear: I got into this race because Tom Kean Jr. was failing our community long before this absence. He was the deciding vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill, which jacked up health care costs for everyone and kicked thousands off of their health insurance in our district. He has consistently failed to stand up for our communities, including when funding for the Gateway project was threatened. And he voted in favor of a reckless war that has made everything more expensive for New Jersey families.
Yet Tom Kean Jr. still somehow found time to trade stocks while missing votes. This is the self-serving culture in Washington that New Jerseyans are rejecting, and the kind of behavior they are sick and tired of from career politicians."