New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. has been notably absent from Capitol Hill for almost two months, with his absence attributed to undisclosed “health issues” according to his team.
Kean (R-NJ), recognized as one of the most at-risk Republicans within New Jersey’s congressional group, last participated in a vote on March 5. Since then, he has missed over 50 voting sessions.
On Wednesday, Kean shared on social media that two of his proposed bills had progressed through committee stages. Despite this, he was not present at the Capitol that day to cast his vote.
The Post reached out to his office seeking clarification.
His team informed Politico that Kean is dealing with unspecified health concerns. However, even his fellow New Jersey House members have reportedly not been in contact with the 57-year-old representative.
Kean’s prolonged absence has sparked unease, especially as Congress faces challenges with members falling ill or passing away during a session where the balance of power between Republicans and Democrats remains tightly contested.
Currently, the House has 217 Republicans plus one independent who caucuses with the GOP, 212 Democrats and five vacant seats.
Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), who was vying for re-election, became the fifth House member to die in office since early 2025.
Last month, President Trump let slip that Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), who is known to have a terminal diagnosis, was expected to be “dead by June.”
Kean’s colleagues Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) told Politico they reached out to him to gauge his status, but haven’t heard back from him, describing it as “radio silence” from him.
“I know the congressman and his family appreciate all of the well wishes and support,” Harrison Neely, a consultant for Kean, told the outlet, which first reported on his absence. “Please know that he will be back on a regular full schedule very soon.”
The House has dealt with mysterious absences that have flown under the radar before. In 2024, for example, former Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), who had been missing for months, was discovered in a retirement community that specialized in memory care.
Kean’s absence has also raised concerns about the midterms, given the competitive district he represents.
A two-term member of the House, Kean had a near-perfect attendance record until earlier this year, according to data from GovTrack.
The slim Republican margin in the House makes it difficult for GOP leadership to navigate tough votes such as Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702 reauthorization.
