Rep. Tom Kean Jr. says he expects to return to Congress 'in the next couple of weeks' after missing 100 votes
New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. Announces Planned Return to Congress After 100‑Meeting Absence
A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey has said he expects to resume voting and campaigning in the coming weeks after a month‑long stretch of medical leave that left him absent for 100 consecutive roll‑call votes.
Tom Kean Jr., 57, first spoke publicly on Thursday after stepping away from the Capitol in early March. In an interview with the New Jersey Globe, he said, “My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery.” The congressman added that he understands the need for public transparency and “appreciate[s] the support of my constituents.” He concluded, “I anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I’ll return to voting and to the campaign trail.”
Kean’s last vote was on March 5, and according to GovTrack, he has missed every House roll‑call since that date. His absence has drawn heightened attention for two reasons. First, the House Republicans hold a razor‑thin majority; every absent seat can sway the balance on key votes. Second, Kean represents one of the country’s most competitive congressional districts, making his presence critical as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Kean’s office has repeatedly declined to share details about the illness, describing it only as a “personal health matter.” The congressman’s father, former New Jersey governor Tom Kean Sr., told NJ.com that his son was recovering from a “serious illness.” “You can’t say definitely, but their best guess is now he’ll be out in two or three weeks,” Kean Sr. said. “Any time you’ve been through a serious illness, you can’t be 100% the day you get back. You’re gonna be able to do things, but gradually ramping up.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R‑La., spoke to reporters this week after speaking with Kean. “We’re expecting him back here soon. He’s had a medical issue,” Johnson said. “I don’t even know the details.” Johnson’s comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding the exact nature of Kean’s condition while affirming the expectation of a return.
Kean’s extended absence has become a growing political issue in New Jersey. Democrats are targeting the swing district, and the seat’s competitive nature is a focal point for both parties. Kean is running unopposed in the Republican primary scheduled for June 2, while several Democrats are vying for their party’s nomination.
In an interview with The New York Times, a top Kean aide stated, “There’s no cameras where Tom is.” The aide’s comment highlighted the limited visibility into the congressman’s recovery process. Kean’s consultant, Harrison Neely, told the New York Post that the congressman remains committed to seeking reelection. “What I can tell you is that the congressman is dealing with a personal health matter. He is focused on his recovery,” Neely said.
The absence, which has lasted more than a month, has prompted lawmakers and political observers to consider how the GOP will manage a one‑vote majority while a key representative is sidelined. The House has seen other members return from medical leaves in the past, and the process typically involves a gradual reintegration into the legislative calendar.
As the 2026 midterm cycle heats up, the timing of Kean’s return will be closely watched. If the congressman resumes duties in the next couple of weeks as he has announced, he will be poised to participate in critical votes that could shape the balance of power in Congress. For now, constituents and colleagues alike await further updates on his recovery and the day he will re‑enters the House floor.
