Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. will extend his absence from Congress for another week as lawmakers return to Washington, his office confirmed, pushing his unexplained disappearance past the two-month mark.
The New Jersey congressman has not cast a vote since March 5, leaving his seat empty through 68 House roll calls, among them crucial votes on ending a record 75-day Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Kean's office continues to attribute the extended absence to an unspecified "personal health matter" but has declined to provide any additional details about his condition or expected return date.
"Congressman Kean is still attending to a personal health matter and we appreciate the outpouring of support," Dan Scharfenberger, Kean's chief of staff, said in a statement. "He will be returning to a regular full schedule soon. The Congressman's team continues to serve the people of New Jersey uninterrupted."
The prolonged gap creates complications for the first-term lawmaker as he enters a critical election year. The 57-year-old is seeking re-election in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, a seat Democrats have aggressively targeted in their bid to flip Republican-held districts. Kean secured President Donald Trump's endorsement ahead of the June 2 primary, where he faces no Republican challenger. Meanwhile, four Democrats are competing for the party's nomination to challenge him in the general election.
Kean, first elected in 2022, represents the Westfield-based district that covers portions of Union, Essex, and Morris counties. His continued absence during a legislative session heavy with votes on major appropriations and executive initiatives raises questions about constituent service and the practical work of representation.
His office has maintained that legislative operations continue uninterrupted, with his team responding to constituent needs and requests. However, the inability to vote on key measures leaves Kean without a public record on significant legislative battles during the early months of the new congressional term.
The congressman's previous statement in late April, delivered through his chief of staff, also referenced the "personal health matter" without elaboration. No subsequent updates have clarified whether his condition is improving or what timeline his office anticipates for his full return.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Extended absences without explanation test the patience of voters and raise fair questions about whether a legislator can effectively represent a district from afar."
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