New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Breaks Silence on Lengthy Medical Absence
WASHINGTON — Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a two-term Republican from New Jersey, has issued his first public statement since disappearing from Capitol Hill more than six weeks ago, thanking colleagues and constituents for their “patience and understanding” as he recovers from an undisclosed medical issue. The 57-year-old lawmaker, who last voted on the House floor on March 5, has missed at least 50 roll call votes, raising concerns among fellow lawmakers and political observers about his health and the implications for his closely watched re-election campaign.
In a brief message shared with the New Jersey Globe on Monday, Kean said he was “grateful for the outpouring of support” and confirmed he is “making steady progress” toward returning to work. “I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time,” the statement read. “I look forward to getting back to serving the people of New Jersey as soon as I am able.”
Kean’s absence has fueled speculation in Washington and New Jersey, where the congressman is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents in the 2026 midterm elections. His silence until now had left colleagues and constituents in the dark, with some expressing frustration over the lack of transparency. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who spoke with Kean by phone last week, described the congressman as “one of the most dedicated and hardest-working members of Congress” and said he expects Kean to “be back to 100% very soon.”
A Prolonged Absence with Little Explanation
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has not been seen in public since early March. His office initially attributed his absence to a “personal health matter” in a statement released on April 18, but provided no further details. Dan Scharfenberger, Kean’s chief of staff, did not respond to multiple requests for comment from NJ Spotlight News and other outlets seeking clarification on the nature of the congressman’s condition or a timeline for his return.
Colleagues on both sides of the aisle have expressed concern. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who served with Kean in the New Jersey State Legislature, told NJ Spotlight News that he and other lawmakers had been unable to reach Kean. “Complete radio silence,” Van Drew said. “Nobody’s covering up. We just haven’t heard a word. We’re worried about him.” Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), another longtime colleague, echoed those sentiments, saying, “We’ve both reached out. Don’t understand.”
Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey, including Reps. Donald Norcross, Josh Gottheimer, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver, also told NJ Spotlight News they had no information about Kean’s whereabouts or condition. “We’re all hoping he’s okay,” one Democratic aide said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the situation.
Political Implications in a Swing District
Kean’s absence comes at a critical time for his political future. The congressman is defending his seat in one of the most competitive House races in the country, representing a district that has swung between Democratic and Republican control in recent years. In 2020, President Joe Biden carried New Jersey’s 7th District by nearly four percentage points, while former President Donald Trump won it by one point in 2024. In 2022, Kean unseated two-term Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski by a narrow 3-point margin, and he was re-elected by five points in 2024.
Political analysts say Kean’s prolonged absence could weaken his re-election bid, particularly if voters perceive a lack of transparency or question his ability to serve effectively. “This is a district where every vote counts, and Kean’s absence has left a vacuum that his opponents are already trying to fill,” said Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University. “The longer he’s out, the harder it will be to reassure voters that he’s up to the job.”
Kean’s campaign has not responded to requests for comment on how his absence might affect his re-election efforts. But, Harrison Neely, Kean’s chief strategist, told the New Jersey Globe earlier this month that the congressman was “expected to be totally fine and back to a full schedule soon.”
What Happens Next?
Kean’s statement on Monday provided little clarity on when he might return to Washington. While Speaker Johnson suggested Kean would be “back to 100% very soon,” no specific timeline has been given. The House is scheduled to return from its current recess on May 6, and it remains unclear whether Kean will be present for votes or committee work.
For now, constituents in New Jersey’s 7th District are left waiting for more information. Kean’s office has not indicated whether he will provide further updates or hold a press conference to address concerns. In the meantime, his colleagues say they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We’re all pulling for him,” Rep. Van Drew said. “But the people of New Jersey deserve to know what’s going on.”
Key Questions About Kean’s Absence
What do we know about Kean’s health?
Very little. Kean’s office has described his absence as a “personal health matter” but has not provided any details about his condition, prognosis, or treatment. Speaker Johnson and other colleagues have suggested he is recovering and expects to return soon, but no medical updates have been released.
How many votes has Kean missed?
As of April 28, Kean has missed at least 50 roll call votes since his last recorded vote on March 5, according to GovTrack, a nonpartisan legislative tracking service. The House was in recess for two weeks in April, but Kean’s absence extended before and after that break.
What are the political consequences of his absence?
Kean’s district is highly competitive, and his absence could energize Democratic challengers while raising questions among voters about his ability to serve. His re-election campaign has not commented on how the situation might affect his bid for a third term.
Has Kean’s office responded to concerns?
Kean’s chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, issued a brief statement on April 18 acknowledging the congressman was “addressing a personal health matter” and would return to a “full regular schedule.” However, the office has not responded to follow-up questions from reporters or provided additional details.
What’s Next for Kean and His Constituents?
The next major checkpoint for Kean will be the House’s return from recess on May 6. If he does not appear for votes or committee work, pressure is likely to grow for more transparency about his condition and timeline for returning to work. In the meantime, constituents are encouraged to monitor official updates from Kean’s office or the House of Representatives website for further developments.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of New Jersey’s 7th District deserve answers. For now, they—and Kean’s colleagues—are left waiting.
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