57-year-old Tom Kean Jr, the representative of the 7th Congressional district in New Jersey, was last seen on March 5. Since then, he has missed around 100 House votes, was not present at any official or personal events, and was not even photographed. However, he is not missing as he is still trading stocks, giving a few interviews, and making calls to his Republican colleagues who are worried that the party might lose the seat in the midterm because of Kean Jr's prolonged absence.
Where is Tom Kean Jr?
Kean Jr gave an interview to the New Jersey Globe and said that he was navigating a health issue and his doctors were confident that he would make a full recovery. He said he expected to return to voting and to the campaign trail in a couple of weeks. He also started making calls to his fellow Republicans in New Jersey to assure them that his reelection campaign is moving forward.
But mysteriously, none of those whom he called know where Kean Jr is. “I don’t even know the details, and I respect that. It’s members’ personal privacy on whatever matters they’re dealing with,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said, adding he last spoke to Kean on the phone “a few weeks ago.” Kean did not reveal what illness he is suffering from but said that he is not expected to suffer from long-term effects or chronic health complications and his medical issue will not affect his cognitive health either. Kean's wife also refused to comment on her husband's illness and mysterious disappearance. Neighbors said the house has been dark and deserted for weeks. They did not see the wife, their car, or their dog.
Political Implications
Kean is uncontested in the primary on June 2, while Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela are contesting for the Democratic primary. “He sounded good to me. Sounded just as normal as always,” said Carlos Santos, the Republican chair of Union County, where Kean lives. Santos said that he did not ask Kean about his ailment, and that Kean did not disclose it. But he said Kean confirmed he is running for reelection and that he has his support.
Despite his long absence, Kean signed off on five stock trades between April 14 and May 17, records revealed. The situation remains unclear, with colleagues expressing concern over his absence and the potential impact on the party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections.
