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Kean's absence risks swing district seat, GOP majority

5/16/2026

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Kean Absence

Kean's two-month disappearance is sparking alarm that his swing-district seat and the GOP’s razor-thin majority are at risk.
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District’s Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent for two months with no health update.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he spoke with Kean two weeks ago but got no details.
Chief of staff Dan Scharfenberger said the office continues serving New Jersey constituents uninterrupted.

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Kean Health Update

New Jersey Governor Tom Kean Sr. told CNN his son is recovering from a temporary illness under a doctor’s care.
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has missed votes since March 5 due to a health problem, with no updates from office.
Speaker Mike Johnson said Kean can run for reelection, noting medical issues are personal matters.
Chief of staff Dan Scharfenberger told New York Times no cameras are where Kean is.

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Kean Absence

Kean's two-month disappearance is sparking alarm that his swing-district seat and the GOP’s razor-thin majority are at risk.
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District’s Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent for two months with no health update.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he spoke with Kean two weeks ago but got no details.
Chief of staff Dan Scharfenberger said the office continues serving New Jersey constituents uninterrupted.

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