Republican congressman will end monthslong absence from DC after missing 135 roll call votes

Rep.Thomas Kean Jr., R-N.J., arrives for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting at the U.S.Capitol on March 4, 2026.(Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc.via Getty Images)

The New Jersey Globefirst reported the timing of Kean’s expected return.He previously told the outlet his medical issue did not affect his cognitive health and will not have any chronic complications that could impair his ability to seek a third House term.

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HOUSE REPUBLICAN MISSES ANOTHER WEEK OF VOTES AS HEALTH ABSENCE STRAINS THIN MAJORITY

The embattled lawmaker has not been seen in public orcast a voteon the House floor since early March, amounting to 135 missed roll call votes, according to GovTrack.

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Kean’s office has still continued to introduce legislation and post on social media. 

The New Jersey Republican’s expected return to Washington ahead of November’s midterm elections will be relatively short-lived.With just over 30 legislative days remaining, lawmakers are scheduled to spend nearly all of August and October back home campaigning for re-election. 

Rebecca Bennett campaigns for Congress in Mendham, N.J., on March 22, 2026.(Matt Roth)

DEMS PICK CHALLENGER FOR GOP CONGRESSMAN WHO VANISHED FROM PUBLIC VIEW AMID HEALTH MYSTERY

Thursday’s announcement comes as Kean is facing a significant reelection challenge from former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett in one of the country’s most competitive House battleground districts.

Bennett, who is expected to lean into her national security background on the campaign trail, defeated several Democrat primary challengers in May to advance to the general election.

She has largely refrained from criticizing Kean during his absence but said he must be transparent with voters about his health issue.

President Donald Trump has given Rep.Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., his “complete and total” endorsement.(Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Kean, who has the endorsement of PresidentDonald Trump,ran unopposed for the GOP nomination, but his future in Congress remains unclear amid his absence and health concerns. 

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the New Jersey contest in the suburban swing seat as a “toss-up.”