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The renewed backing of President Trump for reelection has been given to New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. – who has been absent from Capitol Hill for months – ahead of the Garden State’s primary on Tuesday.
Kean, 57, has abstained from voting in the House since March 5, missing a total of 104 consecutive roll call votes on the floor during his current absence.
For several weeks, Kean’s office has justified the congressman’s break by informing reporters that he is attending to an unspecified medical condition.
“Congressman Kean completely acknowledges the necessity of openness regarding his health status. He intends to share his full story, but for the present, he is following his doctors’ advice and concentrating on his recovery,” a representative for Kean informed ABC on Tuesday. “He maintains regular communication with his staff and anticipates returning to his duties in person very shortly. The Congressman believes it is vital for his constituents and colleagues to hear from him directly when he is back.”
President Donald Trump reaffirmed his endorsement for Kean on Monday evening via a social media post, stating, “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR TOM — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
He initially backed Kean’s reelection campaign in May 2025.
Kean’s district, New Jersey’s 7th, is categorized as a competitive race by the Cook Political Report and is anticipated to be a primary focus for Democrats. Kean faces no opposition in the Republican primary scheduled for June 2.
Last month, Kean indicated in a telephone conversation with the New Jersey Globe that he plans to return to the Capitol within the coming weeks and is seeking reelection.
“I recognize the importance of public transparency, and I value the support of my constituents,” Kean stated on May 21, further commenting that his outlook is favorable, with no anticipated long-term consequences or chronic health issues.
In a declaration on Tuesday, Kean conveyed that he will "transition from virtual work to in-person duties within a matter of weeks."
"At that juncture, I will provide complete openness concerning the nature of my medical condition," he added.
However, even House Speaker Mike Johnson admits he has been kept uninformed.
"I am not privy to the specifics," Johnson remarked on May 20. "I must respect a member’s personal privacy regarding any matters they are navigating, but we anticipate his return shortly. He is a valued member of Congress, and we have missed his presence."
Johnson further mentioned he had a single phone conversation with the congressman during his absence.
"He sounded well and optimistic, and we are anticipating his imminent return. He has experienced a health issue, and he intends to be fully candid and disclose all details. That is, at least, what he conveyed to me," Johnson stated.
Notwithstanding the atmosphere of ambiguity enveloping Kean’s circumstances, Johnson is confident that Kean will be reelected this November “because he hails from a long-standing lineage, a family tradition of dedicated public service.”
Thomas Kean Sr., Kean’s father, held the position of governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990.
“Individuals encounter various circumstances, be it health-related or otherwise, they confront challenges, and they rebound. That is the hallmark of champions. Tom Kean embodies this. I am proud to support him; he will be reelected, and we eagerly await his return here very soon,” Johnson commented.
Supporters of Kean point out that New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill missed 145 votes – the highest among House Democrats – during her successful campaign for governor last year.
During Sherrill’s bid for governor, her spokesperson, Sean Higgins, addressed criticism regarding her missed votes by telling the New York Post last October:
“House Republicans have convened for a mere 14 days since July 25th. It is absurd to direct such an inquiry towards Mikie Sherrill or any House Democrat.”
Sourse: abcnews.go.com