Residents in Westfield, New Jersey, gathered recently to discuss affordable housing and new data centers with a state lawmaker. Amid their conversations, many questioned the whereabouts of their congressman, Republican Tom Kean Jr. Steve McCabe, an 80-year-old retired lawyer, asked GOP state senator Jon Bramnick about Kean’s ongoing medical absence, which has lasted nearly three months.
Bramnick had no updates on Kean’s situation but shared that Kean disliked missing legislative votes, recounting an instance when they drove through a snowstorm to cast ballots. Kean has missed over 100 votes in Congress and has not been seen in Washington or his district.
It’s a political mystery with national implications, as Kean’s district is a key target for Democrats aiming to regain Congressional control. Despite his absence, Kean’s office maintains he is still seeking reelection.
Harrison Neely, Kean’s campaign consultant, stated that the congressman faced a medical emergency but promised transparency and a return to his duties soon.
Kean represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, which includes a mix of suburbs and small towns, as well as President Trump’s Bedminster golf course. The district has alternated between parties in the past two midterms. Republican Leonard Lance lost to Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2018, who then lost to Kean in 2022. Kean’s absence, last voting on March 5, has drawn increased focus with notable figures expecting his return.
Kean comes from a well-known political family, with his father serving as governor and an ancestor being New Jersey’s first leader post-independence. Kean informed the New Jersey Globe of his confidence in returning to health soon, following a conversation with his doctors.
At a town hall, retired engineer Bruce Paterson expressed hope for Kean’s recovery, noting the importance of political balance in a Democrat-heavy state. A voter inquired if Bramnick would accept the Republican nomination should Kean step down. Bramnick reiterated Kean’s commitment to reelection while reflecting that his stance might not align with the current party sentiment.
Democrats in the primary critiqued Kean for lack of communication regarding his status. Michael Roth, a former Small Business Administration official, and Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy pilot, expressed concerns over Kean’s performance on key projects like the Gateway Tunnel.
Additional candidates, including Tina Shah and Brian Varela, voiced criticisms during debates. Despite criticism, Kean, with a financial advantage, has time to reach voters before the November election. Benjamin Dworkin from the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship emphasized the importance of Kean’s future effectiveness upon his return.