Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) told the New Jersey Globe that he is nearing a return to work and intends to discuss publicly the health issue that has sidelined him since March. He also confirmed that he will seek re-election to a third term this year.
“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” said Kean in a lengthy telephone interview this afternoon. “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.”
Kean, 57, said his prognosis is positive, with no expected long-term effects or chronic health complications. He said his medical issue would not affect his cognitive health.
He also laid out a rough timetable of his return.
“I anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I’ll return to voting and to the campaign trail,” Kean stated.
In the meantime, the two-term Republican lawmaker said he is in daily touch with his congressional office and monitoring issues facing Congress and his district.
Kean was also clear about his future plans.
“I’m running,” he said.
This is the first public statement from Kean since April 24, although members of his staff have been issuing updates. It was also his first time speaking with a reporter since March.
Hunterdon County GOP Chairman Gabe Plumer also spoke with Kean today.
“I’m relieved to hear from him. He sounds great and energized,” Plumer said. “This should put an end to the rumor mill.”
Kean first began missing votes the week of March 16 and has missed 99 roll call votes. His last vote was on March 5, before a House recess.
His re-election race was expected to be difficult even before his health issue. New Jersey’s 7th district is one of the most competitive in the nation and could be pivotal to determining which party controls the House next year. Kean flipped the seat in 2022 by three points when he ousted two-term Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes); President Donald Trump won NJ-7 by one point in 2024, and Gov. Mikie Sherrill carried it by two points in 2025.
In a debate last week sponsored by the New Jersey Globe and Rider University, none of the four Democrats seeking the chance to oppose him said he was obligated to disclose the details of his personal health, although some criticized the ambiguity of Kean’s absence, suggesting it was part of a pattern of failing to communicate with constituents in forums like town halls.
The scion of a prominent New Jersey family that began with service in the Continental Congress, Kean’s grandfather served ten terms in Congress, and his great-grandfather was a U.S. Senator. His father, Thomas H. Kean, now 91, was a popular two-term governor.
This story was updated at 5:14 PM with a comment from Plumer.