Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-New Jersey, who seemed to be missing in action, released a statement on Monday.
Kean, whose last vote was cast on March 5, had apparently not been seen or heard from by colleagues in weeks. The 57-year-old lawmaker resurfaced on Monday to reveal that he has been addressing a “personal medical issue,” though he did not provide additional details on the matter.
Look:
— Tom Kean (@KeanForCongress) April 27, 2026
“I want to thank my constituents and colleagues for their patience as I address a personal medical issue. My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon. I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent,” he wrote. “I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult. I am especially proud of my Congressional team, who have kept constituent services and legislative work moving forward without interruption, and my political team for ensuring the campaign continues to run strong.”
“I also want to thank my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their patience and understanding during this time. I appreciate your support and look forward to being back in the near future,” he concluded.
X users had mixed reactions to the statement:
What’s the expected return date/range? “Soon” isn’t really telling us anything. We also notice you have no problem making stock trades while you are out recuperating.
— mitzi snowden (@mitzisnowden) April 27, 2026
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
— George Santos (@Georgesantos) April 27, 2026
This you, @CongressmanKean @KeanForCongress?
Why do you demand that other officials disclose the cause of their hospitalizations, but you can’t simply tell your #NJ07 constituents (whose tax dollars pay your salary & health insurance) what it is that you’re recovering from? pic.twitter.com/2rzIihYVLr
— Mathew Helman — also mathelman.bsky.social (@MatHelman) April 27, 2026
Sending you mojo for a quick and full recovery
— Kim Kavin (@thekimkavin) April 27, 2026
Must be nice to just not show up to work and get paid, not have to worry about losing your insurance, spend all your sick days and vacation days
Must be nice
— CynicWithACause (@I_Heart_Growth) April 28, 2026
May God bless you, Congressman. Praying for a speedy recovery
— Jerry Caviston (@jerrance_) April 27, 2026
This is a lame excuse. I’m sorry for your health issues, but you have a job to do and if you can’t do the job, maybe someone else can. This is taxpayer money that pays your salary and insurance.
— Faye Yaple (@FayeYaple) April 28, 2026
