A Key GOP Rep Has Gone Missing From Congress

Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. has effectively vanished from Capitol Hill and his New Jersey district for more than a month, and the New York Times reports that his silence is starting to rattle his own party. The 57-year-old Republican, considered one of the most endangered incumbents in the House, hasn't cast a vote since March 5, even skipping a committee vote on his own national security bills, as Speaker Mike Johnson leans on a thin majority to move key legislation. Aides say Kean is dealing with a "personal medical issue" and will "be back to a full schedule soon," but won't say what's wrong or when he'll return. Johnson says Kean expects to be "back to 100 percent very soon," and colleagues from both parties publicly wish him well, even as unanswered calls and texts fuel speculation about his health and political future.

Kean, heir to a powerful New Jersey political dynasty and usually in near-perfect attendance for votes, is in the middle of a critical reelection fight in a shifting suburban district Democrats see as prime pickup territory. He's unopposed in the June primary, but Politico noted last month that President Trump is complicating a tight race for him, with the administration having purchased property in his district to use as an immigration detention center. Republicans insist he's staying in the race, but if Kean were to exit after winning, party leaders would have to scramble to choose a replacement nominee.