Why It Matters
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) has missed 88 consecutive roll-call votes in the House since early March, leaving New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District without representation during debate over a major $70 billion immigration enforcement package. The congressman’s extended absence has drawn criticism from Democratic challengers and questions from Republican colleagues as the June 2 primary approaches.
Kean represents a swing district political analysts consider the most vulnerable Republican seat in the state heading into November’s midterm elections.
What Happened
The 57-year-old congressman last cast a vote at the Capitol on March 5. Since then, he has been absent from floor votes and committee meetings in both the Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs committees where he serves.
Fellow New Jersey Republican Rep. Chris Smith told reporters last week he has not heard from Kean in weeks despite repeated attempts to reach him. House leadership has not provided details on the congressman’s whereabouts or condition.
Kean’s chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, declined to elaborate on the situation in comments to media outlets last week, saying only that “there’s no cameras where Tom is.”
By the Numbers
Kean has missed 88 roll-call votes on the House floor since March 5. Republicans hold a narrow majority in the chamber, making each member’s vote critical on party-line legislation.
The House is scheduled to vote this week on portions of the $70 billion immigration enforcement bill. Kean’s campaign has raised more than $600,000 from corporate PACs during his absence, according to figures cited at a Democratic primary debate this week.
Four Democratic candidates are competing in the June 2 primary for the right to challenge Kean in November.
Health Concerns
Kean’s office has stated only that the congressman is recovering from an undisclosed health issue. His father, former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr., told media outlets his son is under medical care and multiple doctors have indicated he will make a full recovery.
The elder Kean described his son’s condition as a “real illness” but said it would not incapacitate him long-term. No timeline for return has been provided.
Political Fallout
Democratic primary candidates used a debate Tuesday to criticize both Kean’s absence and his office’s handling of information about his condition. While all wished him a full recovery, several argued constituents deserve more transparency.
One Democratic contender, Michael Roth, said voters are entitled to know when their elected representative is unable to perform duties. Another, Dr. Tina Shah, noted that while Kean is dealing with personal medical issues, the district elected him personally and expects direct communication.
What’s Next
Bill Palatucci, a Republican national committeeman who serves as counsel to Kean’s campaign, said he expects the congressman to return and that the absence will not affect the election. Kean faces no primary opposition.
Republicans in the 7th District expressed confidence Kean will resume his duties before the general election campaign intensifies this fall. Democratic strategists, however, view the seat as a top pickup opportunity in New Jersey for the November midterms.