by Todd DeFeo, The Center Square | February 02, 2021 06:00 PM Print this article
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. will not seek reelection to the New Jersey Senate, capping a 20-year-long career in the state Legislature.
His retirement possibly sets up a rematch in the 7th Congressional District, a race Kean lost two months ago.
Kean was elected to the state Assembly in 2001 and two years later was named to the state Legislature’s upper house. In 2008, Senate Republicans unanimously elected Kean as Senate Republican leader, and he will serve out his term in the post.
“Public service will always be a part of who I am and how I live my life, but after thoughtful discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election for the State Senate in the 21st legislative district,” Kean said in a statement.