Tom Kean Jr. Set to Return to Congress by June 30 After Months-Long Absence

New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is expected to resume in-person congressional duties on June 30, according to his political adviser.

Harrison Neely, Kean’s chief of staff, informed the New Jersey Globe Thursday that the congressman will return for voting sessions at the end of the month.

Kean, 57, has not cast a vote in the House since March 5 and missed over 100 roll-call votes during his extended absence. Aides have described his condition as medical only.

The congressman declined to disclose the nature of his health issue, stating he will provide details once he resumes face-to-face work.

Kean, who represents New Jersey’s competitive seventh congressional district, has repeatedly assured supporters that he plans to seek re-election despite his prolonged absence from Congress.

His office maintains that Kean is recovering and conducting remote work under medical supervision.

Questions about Kean’s health have gained traction in recent months, particularly because Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House. His absence has deprived GOP leaders of votes during several critical legislative battles.

Earlier this month, Kean pushed back on an anticipated return timeline, stating he would transition to in-person duties “within a matter of weeks.” At that time, he pledged full transparency regarding his medical condition once normal activities resumed.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed confidence in Kean’s recovery but acknowledged he was unaware of the specifics. Johnson described Kean as a dedicated member and anticipated welcoming him back to Congress.

The uncertainty surrounding Kean’s absence has become a political concern in a district Democrats view as one of their top targets for November’s election cycle.

Several Democratic candidates have criticized the lack of information about Kean’s health condition and questioned whether constituents received adequate updates.

Kean first won his seventh congressional district seat in 2022, defeating Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski, and secured re-election in 2024.

The district, which covers northern and central New Jersey, remains one of the state’s most competitive electoral battlegrounds.