Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), absent from the House since early March due to a personal medical issue that raised concerns among colleagues, announced Monday he expects a full recovery and return soon. Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed recent contact, amid a competitive re-election and slim GOP majority.
Following weeks of worry from fellow Republicans over his unexplained absence—which included about 50 missed roll calls and reports of 'radio silence'—Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) issued a statement Monday: “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.” He anticipates resuming a full schedule at 100% capacity, emphasizing his strong attendance record and commitment to duties.
Kean praised his congressional team for seamless constituent services and legislative work, and his political team for sustaining re-election momentum. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) spoke with him Friday, telling the Washington Examiner: “He is attending to a personal health matter and expects to be back to 100% very soon.”
Kean represents a 'toss-up' district per the Cook Political Report, facing potential challengers like Dr. Tina Shah and Rebecca Bennett. The seat's importance grows with Republicans' narrow 218-212 majority, strained by five vacancies from resignations and Rep. David Scott's (D-GA) recent death. The House is addressing FISA reauthorization and a potential DHS shutdown.
