NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Sets June 30 Return Date After Monthlong Congressional Absence

New Jersey Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. announced plans to return to Congress on June 30 following a monthslong absence due to an unspecified medical issue, according to a statement from his political consultant Harrison Neely on Thursday. Kean, who last voted in the House on March 5, has missed more than 100 votes during his absence and has not been publicly spotted in Washington or his district since then. In April, his social media account indicated he had been dealing with a personal medical issue and that his doctors expected him to recover.

Kean's extended absence has generated significant attention due to the competitive nature of his district, which is among the most closely watched races in this year's midterm elections. The congressman represents a battleground district that has switched party hands in the past two midterm cycles. Kean won the seat in 2022 over Democrat Tom Malinowski, who had previously defeated Republican Leonard Lance in 2018. He is running for reelection and will face Democratic Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett in November's general election.

Kean's office confirmed that he remains a candidate for reelection despite the absence. Political consultant Neely stated that "Congressman Kean is eager to return to in person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule" and indicated that "He plans to be fully transparent regarding the nature of his health issue and you should expect to hear from him in person June 30th." On Primary Day this month, President Donald Trump endorsed Kean's reelection bid without addressing his absence, and Kean subsequently said he expected to return to work within a matter of weeks.

Kean comes from a prominent New Jersey political family with deep historical roots. His ancestry traces back 250 years to the nation's founding, with one of his ancestors serving as New Jersey's first leader following independence. His great-grandfather was a U.S. senator, his grandfather served as a congressman, and his father, Tom Kean Sr., served two terms as the state's governor.