“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,” the 57-year-old lawmaker wrote. “At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition.”Kean has missed over 100 votes in the House since March 5, during which very few details have been shared by the congressman’s office about his health. The congressman told the New Jersey Globe on May 21 that he expected to make a full recovery and would be back on Capitol Hill in the “next couple of weeks.”
Kean has represented the district since 2023 and is seeking his third term in Congress. However, the New Jersey Republican’s absence has sparked GOP worry over whether he will be able to maintain his seat in November. Kean is seeking his third term in Congress in one of the most competitive seats in the nation that will be crucial to the GOP’s effort to hold its House majority.
There is an avenue for Kean to drop out post-primary, should he need to. Under New Jersey election law, any post-primary vacancy is filled by the local GOP committee leaders. However, Kean and House GOP leadership have maintained that he is able to run for reelection, with the congressman telling the New Jersey Globe, “I’m running.”
