A Republican congressman who has been absent from Capitol Hill for weeks has finally addressed his disappearance, pledging to return 'very soon.' New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr, a Republican representing a competitive district in the Garden State, last cast a vote on legislation on March 5. Since then, he has missed dozens of votes.
The 57-year-old's sudden absence sparked concern from lawmakers across the political spectrum. However, in a statement posted to his campaign's social media page on Monday evening, Kean explained that he has been dealing with an unspecified 'personal medical issue' from which he expects to recover fully.
'My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon,' Kean said in the statement. 'I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent.' He added, 'I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult.'
Kean expressed gratitude to his Congressional team, who have maintained constituent services and legislative work without interruption, as well as his political team for ensuring the campaign continues to run smoothly. He also thanked colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their patience and understanding, stating, 'I appreciate your support and look forward to being back in the near future.'
Political Context and Concerns
Kean, who hails from a family of political figures, is running for re-election in a highly contested district where four prominent Democratic candidates are vying to challenge him. He secured his House seat in 2024 when President Donald Trump carried his district by a single vote. However, the following year, former Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill won the district by nearly two points in the 2025 gubernatorial race.
Amid the election campaign, fellow New Jersey Republicans voiced concerns about Kean's absence, as his office declined to publicly disclose the health issues he faced. Fears about his well-being intensified last week as Congress witnessed several lawmakers falling ill or passing away. Since the current session began in January, five representatives have died, most recently Representative David Scott, a Democrat from Georgia. Last month, President Trump revealed that Representative Neal Dunn, a Florida Republican, is terminally ill.
Impact on House Majority
Of particular concern to Republicans is their slim 217-to-212 majority, which includes one independent who caucuses with the GOP. Losing just two seats could result in forfeiting the Republican majority and causing deadlock on party-line votes. Democrats could also obstruct the Republican agenda for the remainder of the year if Dunn were to retire early and if liberals secure an unexpected special election win this year.
Nevertheless, Kean's supporters maintain that his temporary absence will hardly influence voters come November. 'Everyone understands from their own family experiences that people run into unexpected health issues,' Bill Palatucci, a Republican National Committee member and attorney for the Kean campaign, told Politico. 'Voters will be completely sympathetic, and it's so early in the year that it will be long forgotten come the fall.'
House Speaker Mike Johnson also appeared unconcerned when addressing Kean's disappearance on Thursday. 'I was happy to speak to Tom Kean Jr this afternoon by phone. He is attending a personal health matter and expects to be back to 100 percent very soon,' Johnson said. 'Tom is one of the most dedicated and hardest-working members of Congress, and I am grateful for all he does and will continue to do to serve New Jerseyans and our country.'
Kean's father served as New Jersey governor from 1982 to 1990, his grandfather previously served in the House of Representatives, and his great-grandfather was a senator.
