Republican Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) has finally issued a statement, after an almost two-month absence from Congress without a word to House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04), his New Jersey Republican colleagues Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), or his District 7 constituents.
Kean posted this short statement on his X campaign account:
— Tom Kean (@KeanForCongress) April 27, 2026
I want to thank my constituents and colleagues for their patience as I address a personal medical issue. My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon.
I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult. I am especially proud of my Congressional team, who have kept constituent services and legislature work moving forward without interruption, and my political team for ensuring the campaign continues to run strong.
I also want to thank my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their patience and understanding during this time. I appreciate your support and look forward to being back in the near future.
Read More: Not a Good Look: Speaker Johnson Finally Reaches AWOL New Jersey Rep. Thomas Kean Jr
As RedState reported, the last time Kean voted in Congress was MARCH 5. As I wrote, the fact that the legacy media was the one who noticed, and sussed out Kean's absence before Johnson or his own party could address it, is not just a bad look, but telegraphs weakness on the part of the Republicans; particularly in light of the highly-charged 2026 midterm elections.
While we wish Kean a full and speedy recovery, he could have been more eloquent, more apologetic, and given a fuller explanation than what was presented.
Kean wrote:
I want to thank my constituents and colleagues for their patience as I address a personal medical issue.
A "personal medical issue" of which his colleagues appeared to have no clue. Isn't this what having party leaders is supposed to be for? Johnson only responded when the press forced disclosure. Kean's statement is weak sauce and not exactly getting ahead of what is fast becoming a scandal.
Then Kean said:
My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon.
Kean had better make it quick, as the New Jersey June primaries are fast approaching and the long knives are raised.
Speaking of that, he was at least gracious to his staff and campaign, who have probably been getting an earful from constituents AND donors.
I am especially proud of my Congressional team, who have kept constituent services and legislature work moving forward without interruption, and my political team for ensuring the campaign continues to run strong.
They had to run cover for Kean when they probably didn't even know what was going on. These people deserve a raise — Kean certainly doesn't.
I also want to thank my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their patience and understanding during this time. I appreciate your support and look forward to being back in the near future.
Trust me, the Democrats are ensuring those raised knives are sharp, so it might be too soon for Kean to assume patience and understanding on their part.
The campaign ads are writing themselves.
This is part and parcel of why Congress is viewed with disdain. If I were in New Jersey's 7th District, I would be demanding more than a canned statement written under duress.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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