Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has returned to his northern New Jersey home as he prepares to rejoin Congress next week, following an unexplained absence that lasted nearly four months. Kean, a Republican representing New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, was seen at his Westfield residence on Wednesday evening, declining to comment on his time away but stating to a New York Times reporter, “It’s good to see you. I’ll talk to you next week. Thank you.”
His top adviser, Harrison Neely, informed the Times via text message that Kean “will be fully transparent” upon his return to Washington on June 30. The 57-year-old congressman last cast a House vote on March 5 and has subsequently missed 139 roll call votes. Kean's team has characterized his absence as a “personal health matter” and has stated that the congressman is “focused on his recovery,” without providing further details.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed on Capitol Hill that he was aware of the nature of Kean's health issue but was respecting the congressman's request for privacy. Johnson characterized the situation as non-scandalous, noting that members of Congress, like all individuals, experience health challenges. Reports of Kean's departure from his hometown had previously fueled speculation regarding his illness, and some constituents expressed frustration over unanswered communications.
Despite his lengthy absence, Kean secured the Republican nomination for a third House term in the 7th Congressional District, running unopposed in the primary. He is slated to face Democrat Rebecca Bennett in a race widely considered a toss-up. Bennett commented on Kean's situation, stating, “I certainly wish him well, and I hope he has a speedy recovery. I do think looking at his record, he has absolutely failed this district,” adding, “If I was our member of Congress, I would certainly be more transparent about what’s going on.”