TRENTON, N.J. – Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican absent from Congress for nearly four months, is set to make a public reappearance. This follows a period of speculation surrounding the unspecified medical issue he claims has kept him away from Washington.
At 57, Kean is in his second term as a congressman and is part of a notable New Jersey political family. He serves a critical district that includes the Bedminster golf club owned by former President Donald Trump. This year, he has missed over 100 congressional votes and has been absent from public view in both Washington and his district, despite securing the Republican nomination for another term.
Kean’s spokesperson assured the public that the congressman would return to his duties on Tuesday and provide transparency regarding his absence. Last week, when approached by a New York Times reporter at his home, Kean declined an interview but indicated he would speak at a later date.
The uncertainty surrounding Kean’s disappearance has stirred political repercussions, especially in his competitive district and with the GOP’s slim majority in the House. His team states he is seeking reelection and will be contesting against Democratic candidate Rebecca Bennett, a past Navy helicopter pilot, in November’s high-stakes race in New Jersey.
Democrats have zeroed in on this district as a key target, given its history of changing party hands in recent midterm elections. Kean secured victory in 2022 by overcoming Democrat Tom Malinowski, who had previously unseated Republican Leonard Lance in 2018.
Kean’s last vote was months ago
Kean last voted in the House on March 5, but his absence wasn’t explained.
In April, his social media account said he had been dealing with a personal medical issue and his doctors expected him to recover.
Kean’s absence has also complicated matters for House Republican leaders, who are struggling every day to pass bills with their razor-thin majority, 218-212. Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders repeatedly told reporters they were in touch with Kean, but said he would have to address the circumstances himself.
Trump has endorsed Kean’s reelection, without mentioning his absence.
Kean comes from a long line of public servants, stretching 250 years to the country’s founding when one of his ancestors became New Jersey’s first leader since independence.
His great-grandfather was a senator, his grandfather was a congressman and his father is the former two-term governor, Tom Kean Sr.
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