Republican Congressman Tom Kean has reappeared at his New Jersey home, 113 days after he was last publicly seen in Washington D.C. A New York Times reporter observed Kean standing inside his home on Wednesday evening and spoke with him briefly at his doorstep.
"It's good to see you," Kean told the reporter. "I'll talk to you next week. Thank you."
Kean, who represents New Jersey's 7th congressional district, has missed more than 100 floor votes since March 5, the last day he was seen on Capitol Hill. On that date, he participated in a committee hearing and voted on funding for a border security initiative.
Health Condition and Transparency
Aides to Kean had previously stated he was being treated for an unspecified health condition and was expected to make a full recovery, without providing further details. In a statement earlier this month, Kean indicated a plan to transition from virtual to in-person work within weeks and acknowledged the need for clarity regarding his situation, promising "complete transparency."
Earlier in April, Kean posted on his congressional campaign's social media page that he was dealing with a "personal medical issue" and expected a complete recovery. "My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon," the statement read. "I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent."
Despite these statements, Kean has not disclosed the specific illness causing his absence. He has stated, "I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult."
Uncertainty on Capitol Hill
Senior Republican staffers and lawmakers had expressed a lack of information regarding Kean's condition and whereabouts. When asked about Kean's return, Speaker Mike Johnson stated, "I don't know."
A spokesperson for Kean told Punchbowl News in May that there was "absolutely nothing to worry about" and that the congressman would be "100 percent healthy and is excited to get back to work."
Kean, 57, is the son of former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean Sr. He has served in the House of Representatives since 2023. His district is considered a key target for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. A spokesperson indicated last week that Kean is expected to return to Congress on June 30 and will be transparent about his situation at that time.