Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who represents New Jersey’s 7th District, has been absent from Capitol Hill for months due to an undisclosed health issue. His last recorded vote was on March 5, and he has missed more than 100 votes as he prepares to run for a third term. kean told the New Jersey Globe he expects to return to Washington within weeks, but his prolonged absence has turned his swing seat into a top target for Democrats.

Kean’s missed 100‑plus votes raise GOP alarm ahead of June legislative battles

House Republican leadership warned that Kean’s absence could jeopardize crucial votes in June,including a $70 billion immigration package and the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Richard Hudson, the House Republican Conference chair,said Kean told him he would be back in June and thanked him for the space to recover . The timing is critical because the GOP holds a razor‑thin majority and cannot afford another vacancy.

Four Democratic hopefuls line up as DCCC labels the 7th District a "District in Play"

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added New Jersey’s 7th District to its "Districts in Play" list, citing Kean’s vulnerability. four Democrats have entered the primary: Rebecca Bennett, a healthcare business owner and former Navy pilot; Michael Roth, a former Biden administration official; physician Tina Shah, who advised Obama and Biden; and Brian Varela, chair of the Morris County Democratic Party Hispanic Caucus. Eli Cousin, a DCCC spokesman, accused Kean of betraying New Jersey families and highlighted the opportunity for a flip.

Republican criticism mirrors Biden health scrutiny, says Michael Crispi

State Representative Michael Crispi publlicly rebuked Kean for the lack of transparency, drawing a parallel to the scrutiny President Joe Biden faced over his health during the 2020 campaign. Crispi’s comments underscore growing frustration within the New Jersey GOP, which fears the district could swing if Kean’s health issues remain opaque.

What remains unknown about Kean’s condition and campaign timeline?

Two key questions persist: the exact nature and severity of Kean’s illness, and whether his projected return in June will align with the House’s voting calendar. The report notes his father, former Senator Tom Kean, described the ailment as "serious yet temporary," but no further medical details have been released. Additionally, it is unclear how the Democratic primary will shape the general‑election matchup if Kean’s health delays his campaign activities.

According to the New Jersey Globe, Kean filed for reelection on June 2, a largely ceremonial step given his unopposed status in the Republican primray. As the House prepares for a potential war‑powers resolution and other high‑stakes votes, all eyes remain on whether Kean can resume his duties in time.