New Jersey Republican Congressman Returns After Four-Month Absence

Tom Kean Jr., the New Jersey Republican representative, is scheduled to return to Congress on Tuesday after an absence of almost four months tied to an unspecified medical condition. Kean, 57, last voted in the House on March 5. His office said in April that he was dealing with a personal medical issue and that doctors expected recovery.

The district Kean represents includes a competitive seat that has changed party hands in the last two midterm elections. Democrats have identified the seat as a prime pickup opportunity in November. Kean won the Republican nomination for another term and is set to face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot.

Kean’s prolonged absence has added pressure on House Republican leaders managing a 218-212 majority. Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders told reporters they remained in contact with Kean but said he would address the circumstances himself. Kean’s spokesman said the congressman would return to work Tuesday and would be transparent about the reason for his absence.

" — Associated Press, June 30, 2026 Kean last appeared publicly when he answered the door at his home for a New York Times reporter last week but declined an interview. Kean comes from a political family whose public service in New Jersey dates back 250 years.

His father is former two-term governor Tom Kean Sr.