Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ), who has missed over 135 roll call votes since March 5, disclosed he will return to in-person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule, according to his political advisor. His office cited “a personal health matter” and “focus on recovery” during his absence from the House.
The New Jersey Republican’s team has not specified the exact nature of the health situation that kept him away for nearly four months. Kean represents one of the most competitive districts in the country, having won his uncontested Republican nomination without appearing at the primary event. He now faces a bruising battle against Democrat Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey’s 7th district this cycle.
House records reviewed by investigative reporting indicate Kean signed two congressional “gift travel” disclosures during his unexplained absence—one on March 14 confirming his chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, traveled to Las Vegas for an event funded by the Republican Main Street Partnership—and another on April 13 authorizing a trip to Middleburg, Virginia, for a “spring issues conference” sponsored by Center Forward.
Kean’s office acknowledged requests for comment but did not provide further details regarding whether he personally signed these documents or if someone else affixed his signature. Scharfenberger has publicly praised Kean during the absence in ways suggesting the congressman is not actually absent at all.
