Fellow Republicans in the House are increasingly worried about Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), who has missed about 50 roll calls since early March amid a personal health matter. His colleagues report no recent contact, while his staff assures he will return soon. The absence occurs as the GOP holds a slim 218-212 majority with multiple vacancies.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) described the situation to NJ Spotlight News as 'complete radio silence,' adding that he and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) are worried. Van Drew said, 'Nobody’s covering up. We just haven’t heard a word.' Smith confirmed, 'We’ve both reached out. Don’t know.' Kean has been absent for roughly 50 roll votes starting March 5, according to Politico data cited by colleagues on Capitol Hill. Dan Scharfenberger, Kean’s chief of staff, stated last week that the congressman is addressing a personal health matter and will return to a full schedule. Harrison Neely, a consultant for Kean, told Politico, 'I know the congressman and his family appreciate all of the well wishes and support. Please know that he will be back on a regular full schedule very soon.' Kean, who joined the House in 2023 after serving as minority leader in the New Jersey Senate, represents a toss-up district per the Cook Political Report. He sits on the Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs committees. The timing adds pressure with recent resignations from Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) over scandals, Rep. David Scott’s (D-GA) death on Tuesday, and an expulsion effort against Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL). These leave five vacant seats in the narrowly divided House.
