WASHINGTON — House Republicans are expressing growing concern after one of their own has been absent from Capitol Hill for weeks, with colleagues saying they have received no communication — prompting questions about the lawmaker’s status and ability to serve.
According to Mediaite, members of the GOP conference have privately acknowledged experiencing “radio silence” from Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.), who last voted on March 5 and has not been heard from since:
Kean, 57, is reportedly experiencing unspecified health problems.
Politico reported on Wednesday that Kean’s fellow New Jersey House Republicans have not heard from their colleague. Rep. Jeff Van Drew it has been “radio silence” on Kean’s end. Rep. Chris Smith also does not know where Kean has been. House Republicans from New York who have worked with Kean on legislation echoed the mystification.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said he was unaware Kean was AWOL until he attempted to locate him on the House floor on Tuesday.
“I don’t even know the truth myself or even enough to disclose any information,” Union County Republican Chair Carlos Santos told Politico. “But I have been texting with him and was told he’ll be fine and make a full recovery in the next couple weeks.”
Kean is seeking reelection in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, a closely watched race that the Cook Political Report currently rates as a Toss-Up heading into the 2026 midterm cycle.
Kean has represented the district since 2023, after defeating Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski in 2022 and securing reelection in 2024 against Democratic challenger Sue Altman.
New Jersey’s primary elections are scheduled for June 2, 2026. Following the March 23 filing deadline, several Democrats have entered the race, including Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela.
The 7th District is widely regarded as one of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the country. In late 2025, the Cook Political Report shifted its rating from “Lean Republican” to “Toss-Up,” citing a shifting political environment and evolving demographic trends.
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