Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. will miss another week in Washington as the House of Representatives resumes session, extending an absence that has now lasted more than two months.
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s highly competitive 7th Congressional District, has not voted in the House since March 5. His office has repeatedly cited a “personal health matter” as the reason for his prolonged absence but has not disclosed further details.
According to congressional records, the New Jersey Republican has missed 68 House votes during his time away, including key legislation aimed at ending the Department of Homeland Security’s record 75-day shutdown.
Kean’s chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, said in a statement that the congressman is still attending to health-related matters but is expected to return to a “regular full schedule soon.”
The statement added that Kean’s congressional office continues serving constituents in New Jersey without interruption.
The absence comes at a politically sensitive time as Kean seeks re-election in one of the nation’s top swing districts ahead of the November elections. Democrats are heavily targeting the seat as they attempt to regain control in key suburban areas.
Kean, 57, does not currently face a Republican challenger in New Jersey’s June 2 primary after receiving the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, four Democratic candidates are competing for the chance to challenge him in the general election.
The congressman was first elected to the House in 2022 and has since become a key Republican figure in a district viewed as crucial to the balance of power in Congress.
Political observers say Kean’s continued absence could become a growing issue in the campaign if voters seek more transparency regarding his health and ability to serve during a critical election year.
