Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey will miss another week of work in Washington as the House returns Tuesday, his office told NBC News on Monday. The congressman has not voted in the House since March 5, citing a personal health matter. His absence now spans two months and includes 68 missed votes.
Kean's office has declined to elaborate on the nature of the health issue beyond describing it as a 'personal health matter.' His chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, provided a brief statement: 'Congressman Kean is still attending to a personal health matter and we appreciate the outpouring of support. He will be returning to a regular full schedule soon. The Congressman's team continues to serve the people of New Jersey uninterrupted.'
The Westfield-based Republican is running for re-election in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, which national Democrats have designated as a top pickup opportunity this November. Kean has secured President Donald Trump's endorsement and faces no Republican primary opponent ahead of the June 2 primary election.
What the Left Is Saying
Democrats see Kean's extended absence as a potential vulnerability in a competitive district that backed Trump narrowly in 2024. Four Democrats are competing for the party's nomination to face him in November, according to the New Jersey Globe. The missed votes include legislation to end the 75-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which consumed much of Congress's attention this spring.
Democratic strategists have not publicly criticized Kean directly regarding his health situation, but party operatives note that his district deserves a representative who can be present for critical votes. A spokesperson for one Democratic campaign committee said their candidate would 'show up and fight for New Jersey families every single day.'
What the Right Is Saying
Republican officials have largely rallied behind Kean, respecting his privacy on personal matters. House GOP leadership has not commented publicly on the absences. Scharfenberger emphasized that the congressman's staff continues constituent services without interruption.
Trump's endorsement provides significant political protection for Kean heading into the general election. National Republican campaign arms have made clear they view the 7th District as a seat to hold, not one to concede. A Republican National Committee spokesperson said the party is 'confident in Congressman Kean's record and his commitment to New Jersey families.'
What the Numbers Show
Kean has missed 68 consecutive House votes since March 5. The DHS funding legislation that passed during his absence passed largely along party lines, with most Republicans voting for the final package. Kean was first elected in 2022 by a margin of about 6 percentage points over Democrat Tom Malinowski in what was then considered one of the closest races in the country. In 2024, Trump carried the district by roughly 3 points.
Four Democrats are competing in the June 2 primary: former state legislative aide Sue Altman, environmental attorney Aaron Weiss, local school board member Connie F. Marsh, and business owner David R. Bailey, according to filings with the New Jersey Division of Elections.
The Bottom Line
Kean's extended absence comes at a politically sensitive time as both parties prepare for competitive fall elections in a district that could determine control of the House. While his office maintains he will return soon, his continued absence from votes raises questions about his ability to serve constituents during critical legislative debates. Democrats running to replace him are likely to highlight their availability and willingness to vote on key issues, though they have refrained from attacking Kean personally over his health situation. What happens when—or if—Kean returns will be closely watched by both parties as November approaches.