Congressman Remains Absent From House for Over Two Months

His father, a former New Jersey governor, said in an interview that the lawmaker is recovering from a serious but temporary illness and is under a doctor's care. The father told CNN by phone that his son had been seen by several doctors who agreed he would be fine.

"He's hopefully coming back soon and he's under the care of a doctor," the father said. He added that it took a real illness to sideline the congressman but that it would not linger or incapacitate him in the future. The father declined to specify the nature of the illness, saying disclosure decisions are up to his son.

Top House Republicans have grown concerned by the absence and the unusual silence surrounding it on Capitol Hill. Party leaders and senior aides have repeatedly said they do not know the congressman's whereabouts or his medical condition.

The speaker added that the lawmaker can of course run for reelection. "Like everyone, sometimes things happen that are out of our control. We have medical issues. We've got to deal with them. So that's what this is," the speaker said. Privately, lawmakers and aides have acknowledged the absence is becoming a bigger political problem by the week.

The congressman represents a suburban New Jersey district viewed as a top pickup opportunity for Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. His primary is scheduled for June 2 and he is currently the only Republican candidate. The lawmaker was first elected in 2022.

Multiple Democrats are competing for the seat. Even some of his closest colleagues in Congress said they have not heard from him despite attempts to contact him.