Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s two-month absence continues as House returns

WASHINGTON — Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey, who has not voted in the House since March 5, will miss another week of work in Washington when the House returns Tuesday, his office told NBC News.

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Kean’s office said his two-month absence was related to a “personal health matter” but did not provide further details. The congressman missed 68 votes in the House, including on legislation to end the Department of Homeland Security’s record 75-day shutdown.

Kean, 57, is also running for re-election in his Westfield-based seat, New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, which is a top target for Democrats in November. Kean does not have a Republican opponent in the June 2 primary, having won the support of President Donald Trump. Four Democrats are competing for the nomination against him in November, according to the New Jersey Globe.

“Congressman Kean is still dealing with a personal health issue and we appreciate the outpouring of support,” Kean chief of staff Dan Scharfenberger said in a statement that was first provided to the New Jersey Globe. “He will soon return to a full, normal schedule. The Congressman’s team continues to serve the people of New Jersey without interruption.”

Scharfenberger previously said in a statement in late April that the congressman was “addressing a matter of personal health.”

Kean was first elected to the House in 2022.