A new TV ad features former Gov. Thomas H. Kean touting the character and record of his son, Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield), who is seeking re-election to a third term as the congressman from New Jersey’s 7th district.
The ad, “Proud,” uses the 91-year-old Kean, Sr., the most popular governor in modern state history, as the narrator in footage of the two on a porch. Kean, Sr. says his son has “worked to protect Medicare and Medicaid for every New Jersey senior, child, disabled person.”
The ad began airing this morning.
Script: “(Kean Sr.) You watch your children grow and wonder who will they become. I couldn’t be prouder of my son Tom. He cares about people. That’s why he worked to protect Medicare and Medicaid for every New Jersey senior, child, disabled person. He’s never going to stop fighting, advocating, serving those in need. That’s what drives him. Makes him a leader we can all be proud of. I’m Tom Kean. (Kean Jr.) And I’m Tom Kean, Jr., and I approve this message.”
“Helping people is what drives me in public service,” Kean, Jr. said. “I will continue to protect these vital programs, so they remain available for families who count on them today and for generations to come.”
Kean, Sr. served as Assembly Speaker and was elected governor in 1981 by a statewide margin of 1,797 votes; four years later, he was re-elected by 794,229 votes, a 70%-29% margin. He later served as president of Drew University and as chairman of the 9/11 Commission.
Kean, Jr. served as an assemblyman and minority leader of the New Jersey State Senate before unseating two-term Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) in 2022. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
He faces Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, in one of the nation’s most competitive House races. Donald Trump carried the 7th by one percentage point in 2024, and Mikie Sherrill won it by two points in 2025.
