Full Breakdown
New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Missing Amid Health Issue
4/25/2026, 2:34:41 AM
Extended Absence and Legislative Impact
Representative Thomas “Tom” Kean Jr., 57, of New Jersey’s 7th District has not voted on the House floor since March 5, 2026, missing over four dozen votes. His office cites a “personal health matter” but gives no further details. The gap occurs as the GOP clings to a razor-thin 217-212 majority.
Timeline
- Mar 5, 2026 – Last floor vote.
- Early Apr 2026 – Dan Scharfenberger says Kean will return to a “full regular schedule.”
- Apr 14, 2026 – Office announces student essay contest for America’s 250th anniversary.
- Mid-Apr 2026 – Reps. Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith report “complete radio silence.”
- Apr 23, 2026 – Media note electoral impact.
Data & Political Stakes
Kean has missed >48 votes. The House is 217 Republicans + 1 independent, 212 Democrats, five vacancies. His campaign has $3.35 million cash on hand after spending $1.10 million in Q1 2026. The Cook Political Report rates his district a “toss-up,” making it pivotal for GOP midterms and a multi-billion-dollar immigration-enforcement funding bill.
Official Statements & Responses
Spokesperson Harrison Neely says Kean is “dealing with a personal medical issue” and will be “back to a full schedule soon.” Dan Scharfenberger says Kean “is addressing a personal health matter” and will resume a “full regular schedule.” It references a letter to Sec. Markwayne Mullin on the Roxbury ICE facility and a pledge to keep fighting for a “workable solution” on the $129 million warehouse purchase.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican Reps. Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith report “complete radio silence.” Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez says, “I’m worried,” and Rep. LaMonica McIver offers a prayer for Kean’s recovery. Republicans criticize his limited engagement on the Roxbury warehouse, saying he “did not engage to the level we had hoped.” Constituents have posted on his social-media accounts demanding town halls.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Kean’s office has not disclosed his health issue, and no medical records have been released. Staff assure a “full schedule” return, yet colleagues report no recent contact. Media differ on the exact missed-vote count and whether Kean has traveled for official duties. Neither party leadership has commented, leaving his capacity to serve uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s going to be totally fine,” — Harrison Neely, Campaign Spokesperson
- “Complete radio silence,” — Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ 2nd District
- “We’ve both reached out. Don’t know,” — Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ 4th District
- “I’m worried,” — Rep. Rob Menendez, D-NJ 8th District
- “Obviously I pray that everything is okay and that he is taking care of himself and getting better,” — LaMonica McIver, D-NJ 12th District
What’s Next
The June 2 Republican primary will decide Kean’s ballot placement, and the November 2026 general election is expected to be closely contested. His continued absence may affect GOP efforts to pass the immigration-enforcement funding bill, which requires every vote in the narrow House majority.
