Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) has been the congressional representative for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district since January 2023. Between Washington, D.C. and New Jersey, Kean has seven offices, but over the last month he appears to not have been to any of them. He’s also been missing in the House Representatives and his GOP colleagues reportedly have no idea where he is.
He has not voted on the House floor since March 5 and missed nearly 50 roll call votes, according to Politico. Kean’s staff said the New Jersey congressman has been facing some health issues, though none specified what they were.
“Congressman is addressing a personal health matter. He will be returning to a full regular schedule,” said Dan Scharfenberger, Kean’s chief of staff.
“I know the congressman and his family appreciate all of the well wishes and support,” said Kean consultant Harrison Neely. “Please know that he will be back on a regular full schedule very soon.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has tried contacting him but to no avail and it has caused them both to worry. Some have speculated he has suffered some health issues but there remains no confirmation if that is the case. His whereabouts remain unknown according to Kean’s colleagues.
“We’ve both reached out,” said Smith. “Don’t know.”
Van Drew said he’s worried about Kean.
“Complete radio silence,” said Van Drew when asked about trying to contact Kean. “Nobody’s covering up. We just haven’t heard a word.”
“We talk about it,” Van Drew added, referring to conversations he has had with Smith about Kean. “We’re worried about him.”
While Smith and Van Drew have remained worried about him, other Republicans were not even aware he was missing. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) told Politico he didn’t realize Kean was absent.“I was looking for him,” said Bacon on Wednesday.
“I didn’t know it was that long.”