Republican congressman Tom Kean Jr., who has not voted in weeks, is attending to a personal health matter, House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed on Friday. Kean's absence adds to the challenges of maintaining the historically small Republican majority in the House.
Details of the Absence
Kean, representing a competitive New Jersey district, has not cast a vote since March 5. Johnson stated he spoke with Kean on Thursday and that the congressman expects to return to full health soon. Kean's campaign spokesman Harrison Neely echoed that the congressman is handling a personal health matter and will resume a full schedule shortly, but declined to provide specifics.
Impact on House Majority
The Republican majority currently stands at 217 seats, plus one independent who caucuses with them, against 212 Democrats. Five vacancies exist due to resignations and deaths, including recent departures by Democrat Eric Swalwell, Republican Tony Gonzales, Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and the deaths of Republican Doug LaMalfa and Democrat David Scott. These absences create attendance challenges for party-line votes, especially amid negotiations over funding and surveillance laws.
Political Context
Kean, from a prominent New Jersey political family, won his seat in 2022 by defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski. He was re-elected in 2024 as Donald Trump carried his district by a narrow 50%. However, with Democrats gaining in polls, Kean is considered the most vulnerable Republican congressman in New Jersey. Leftwing groups have launched six-figure ad campaigns to unseat him.
