Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) won renomination as the Republican nominee for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District after Tuesday night’s primaries despite an unspecified medical issue that kept him out of the public eye for months. Kean, 57, was unopposed in the GOP primary and is set to face off against the Democratic nominee, former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett, in the general election. The Associated Press called the race for Bennett at 8:56 p.m. With 48% of ballots counted, 39-year-old Bennett held 47.7% of the vote, compared to second-place finisher, 42-year-old Tina Shah, who earned 20.2%.Few details have been shared by Kean’s office about his health, though the congressman said in a Tuesday afternoon statement that he is “more energized than ever” to fight for the district and would “transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks.”
“At that time, I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition,” Kean wrote. “Once again, I appreciate all of the prayers and patience from my constituents and colleagues. I understand the need for transparency on this matter, and I look forward to sharing my experience with the public.”
Kean, who has represented the district since 2023, has missed over 100 votes in the House since March 5, when he last cast a vote.
