Missing GOP lawmaker Tom Kean Jr to return to Congress on June 30

Kean has been missing from the lower chamber since March 5 because of an undisclosed medical condition and previously told reporters that he would be back in Congress "soon," without giving a specific date.

Published: June 18, 2026 4:28pm

New Jersey GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is expected to return from a mysterious absence at the end of the month, his team said Thursday. 

Kean has been missing from the lower chamber since March 5 because of an undisclosed medical condition, and previously told reporters that he would be back in Congress "soon," without giving a specific date. 

Harrison Neely, a spokesperson for Kean, has now said the 57-year-old lawmaker plans to return on June 30, according to Politico.

“Congressman Kean is eager to return to in-person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule,” Neely said, adding the lawmaker “plans to be fully transparent regarding the nature of his health issue and you should expect to hear from him in person June 30th.”

The lawmaker has not provided details on the health issue, but said it was "personal," and has defended his previous track record of "showing up and delivering."

The confirmation of the lawmaker's return comes as he attempts to win reelection later this year. Kean won the Republican nomination for the seat after running unopposed, and will face former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett in November.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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