Continuing cost-spiking war with Iran, trading stocks, and dodging press
SOMERVILLE, NJ — With only seven weeks until Election Day, Tom Kean Jr. continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
This week, Kean Jr. voted to continue the Iran war, lost the support of the NJFMBA, and reported making even more stock trades… despite his constant chatter about banning stock trading for members of Congress. Seems like he’s been busy, which must be why he didn’t have time to do local press interviews… right?
Let’s take a look back at Kean Jr.’s week:
The Washington Sun: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Runs Anti-Congressional Stock Trade Mailers As He Trades Stocks
- In taxpayer-funded mailers sent this month to residents of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, his office makes clear: “Kean backed legislation to prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks.” Unmentioned in the “public trust”-themed mailer is the fact that Kean ranks among Congress’ most prolific stock traders.
- Kean has traded stocks every single month this year, including throughout the nearly four-month stretch when he disappeared from office with little explanation, according to disclosures made in January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August.
- When Kean first arrived in Congress in 2023, he pledged to put his millions in a “qualified blind trust” — a highly restrictive financial arrangement approved by the House Ethics Committee — but ultimately declined to do so.
New Jersey Globe: Firefighters union flips to Bennett in NJ-7
- The New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association has endorsed Democrat Rebecca Bennett for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district, flipping its support from two-term Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in one of the nation’s closely watched House races.
- “These endorsements are our way of saluting the elected officials and candidates that have put the work in,” said NJFMBA President Eddie Donnelly. “They have cast votes, spoken out, and been visible when it matters most.”
- Republicans Chris Smith (R-Manchester) and Jeff Van Drew (R-Denns) also received the FMBA endorsement for re-election.
Gothamist/WNYC: NJ Rep. Kean acquired more data center stocks as backlash to AI boom grows
- U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey continued to acquire stocks of companies involved in data center development, according to his latest financial report to Congress.
- The North Jersey Republican obtained shares worth up to $30,000 in two companies in the data center industry: Linde and MasTec.
- In July, Gothamist reported that, as of April 2026, Kean had acquired at least $90,000 in shares in three other companies heavily involved in the AI boom: Texas Instruments, nVent and Analog Devices. Kean’s previous disclosure report showed he reaped up to $30,000 from sales of some of the shares.
- Kean sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and its Communications and Technology Subcommittee, which oversees issues related to AI.
- One of the companies from Kean’s latest disclosure, MasTec, highlights “End to End Data Center Delivery” on its website. “MasTec delivers fully integrated data center solutions across power, construction and communications,” according to the company’s ‘expertise’ page online.
The New Jersey Globe: Bennett attacks Kean over Iran vote as fuel prices climb
- The House voted 220-204 Tuesday to approve a War Powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran.
- Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure. Kean was among those who voted against it.
- The national average price of diesel reached $6.05 per gallon on Sept. 11, according to AAA, while regular gasoline averaged $4.29 per gallon.
- The Congressional Budget Office said the conflict had cost the Pentagon approximately $38 billion through Aug. 1 and estimated that continued hostilities could cost another $2 billion to $3 billion per month.
- Bennett’s campaign also cited the deaths of 18 American service members since the conflict began.
Politico NJ Playbook: Quotes of the Day
- QUOTE OF THE DAY #1: “I do the most local press engagements of any NJ Member of Congress.” — Rep. Tom Kean Jr., in a post linking to a very brief TAPInto interview about securing $1.9 million for Somerville projects
- QUOTE OF THE DAY #2: “As a member of the NJ press, I am eager to meet you for a local press engagement in CD 7 any time, anywhere. Just let me know.” — NJ Spotlight News’ Colleen O’Dea
- QUOTE OF THE DAY #3: “Inviting you to do an entire half hour at the @News12NJ studio. Just had Rebecca Bennett on two weeks ago. As I’ve told your team, we’d love to welcome you as well. The invite still stands, Congressman.” — News 12’s Eric Landskroner
- QUOTE OF THE DAY #4: “Our @MyCentralJersey office is right down the street. Wish you would’ve given us the heads up!” — MyCentralJersey’s Joe Martino
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