GOP Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. Absent from Voting Since March Due to Health Issues, House Speaker Says

Republican Representative Thomas Kean Jr. of western New Jersey has not cast a vote on any legislation since March 5, reportedly due to health concerns. Despite multiple inquiries from colleagues and constituents, Kean’s office has not provided a detailed explanation for his absence.

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the situation on Friday, revealing that he spoke with Kean by phone the day prior. During the conversation, Kean disclosed that he has been dealing with an unspecified “personal health matter.”

“I was happy to speak to Tom Kean, Jr. this afternoon by phone. He is attending to a personal health matter and expects to be back to 100 percent very soon. Tom is one of the most dedicated and hardest-working members of Congress, and I am grateful for all he does and will continue to do to serve New Jerseyans and our country.”

The lack of transparency has prompted frustration among fellow Republicans. Representative Chris Smith and Representative Jeff Van Drew, both from New Jersey, attempted to contact Kean but received no response. Van Drew described the situation as “radio silence” from their colleague.

Republicans from other states, including Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, also expressed confusion after failing to locate Kean on the House floor earlier this week.

“I was looking for him. I didn’t know it was that long.”

Kean’s staff confirmed to Politico on Wednesday that the lawmaker is dealing with health issues but declined to provide further details. Harrison Neely, a strategist for Kean, stated that the congressman will be “back on a regular full schedule very soon.”

Background and Political Context

Elected to represent New Jersey’s 7th congressional district in 2022, Kean is now months away from a highly contested midterm reelection battle. As of now, he faces no primary opposition in the June 2 Republican primary, but Democrats are expected to mount a strong challenge in the November general election.

According to an analysis by the Cook Political Report, the district has shifted from a “lean Republican” advantage to a toss-up in recent months, signaling a competitive race ahead.