Rep. Tom Kean Plans June 30 Return to Congress

Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey plans to return to Capitol Hill on June 30 after a nearly four-month absence from Washington that has left him out of public view and away from more than 100 House votes.

Kean’s spokesperson, Harrison Neely, told CBS News on Thursday that the congressman is preparing to resume in-person duties. “Congressman Kean is eager to return to in person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule,” Neely said. NBC News reported that Kean’s chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, also confirmed the planned return date. The New Jersey Globe first reported the news.

Kean last voted in the Capitol on March 5. Since then, his office has said only that he has been dealing with a “personal medical issue,” without disclosing details about his condition or whereabouts. CBS News reported that he has missed more than 130 votes during the absence, while NBC News described the total as more than 100 votes.

Kean addressed the matter publicly in late April, saying he was addressing a personal medical issue. He provided a further statement on June 2 through his campaign, saying he expected to return to Washington soon and would provide more information once he did.

“Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals, I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks,” Kean said in that statement. “At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition.”

The statement was released hours before polls closed in New Jersey’s Republican primary for his seat, in which Kean ran unopposed. He is running for re-election and is set to face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare executive, in November.

Kean’s office has remained active on social media during his absence, NBC News reported, even as the congressman stayed out of the public eye.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has said he has been in contact with Kean but has not disclosed specifics about the congressman’s health. CBS News reported that Johnson told reporters earlier this month he was aware of the health issue but would not provide details. “What he’s dealing with is not very common and not a big thing,” Johnson said.

NBC News reported that Johnson told reporters in May he had spoken with Kean in April and downplayed the effect of the absence on Kean’s re-election campaign. “He’s had a medical issue, and he’s going to be fully transparent and disclose all that… but I don’t even know the details. It’s a member’s personal privacy on whatever matters they’re dealing with,” Johnson said. “He’s going to get re-elected, and we look forward to welcoming him back here very soon.”

Johnson also told reporters last week that he “encouraged Tom to be transparent” about his condition.

President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Kean, reiterated his support in a June 1 post on Truth Social. Trump wrote that Kean was “working tirelessly” and had his “Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.”