AWOL Lawmaker Returning to Congress After 4 Months

Tom Kean Jr., the New Jersey Republican who's been away from Congress for almost four months, is expected to re-emerge in public after months of speculation about the unspecified medical condition he says has kept him away from Washington. Kean, 57, a second-term lawmaker and scion of a New Jersey political family, represents a battleground district that includes President Trump's Bedminster golf club, reports the AP. He's missed more than 100 votes in Congress this year and hasn't been seen publicly in Washington or his district despite winning the Republican nomination to serve another term.

Kean's spokesman promised the congressman would return to work Tuesday and be transparent about what has kept him away. Last week, Kean answered the door of his home when a New York Times reporter visited, but declined to be interviewed, saying only that he would speak to them later. The mystery over Kean's absence carries potential political implications, given the competitive district he represents and the Republican Party's narrow control of the House.

Kean's office has said he is still running for reelection and is set to face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in New Jersey's most high-profile contest in November. Democrats have targeted the district as a prime pick-up opportunity, given that the seat has changed hands in the last two midterm elections. Kean won in 2022 by defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski, who had defeated Republican Leonard Lance in 2018.

Kean last voted in the House on March 5, but his absence wasn't explained. In April, his social media account said he was dealing with a personal medical issue and his doctors expected him to recover. Kean's absence has also complicated matters for House Republican leaders, who are struggling every day to pass bills with their razor-thin majority, 218-212. Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders repeatedly told reporters they were in touch with Kean, but said he would have to address the circumstances himself. Trump has endorsed Kean's reelection, without mentioning his absence.