New Jersey lawmaker missing since March set to return to work this month – but he still hasn’t revealed mystery illness

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Congressional representative is set to return after a mystery illness caused him to misss months of work with little communication – but he has still not disclosed what kept him away from his duties.

A political advisor for New Jersey Republican Tom Kean told the New Jersey Globe that the congressman “will be back for votes on June 30.”

The representative has been out sick for nearly three months. Despite his absence, he faced no opposition in the June Republican primary for his congressional seat. He will be up for re-election in November, facing Democrat Rebecca Bennett.

Kean told the New Jersey Globe in early June: “I am more energized than ever to keep fighting for the people of New Jersey’s 7th District.”

In the same statement, he said he would be transparent with voters about his health concerns when he returned to office, saying: “I understand the need for transparency on this matter and I look forward to sharing my experience with the public.”

Tom Kean Jr., is yet to disclose what illness has kept him from working since March. He went months without making a public appearance or showing up for a vote in the US House of Representatives (New Jersey Globe / YouTube)

Kean’s political advisor, Harrison Neely, told the press: “When he’s back in person you can expect to hear from him with full transparency on his medical condition.”

Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has said he is aware of Ken’s condition, stating: “It’s not a scandalous thing at all.”

Although the 57-year-old says he has been working virtually for his district, the representative has missed 135 votes in the House of Representatives, and more in his sub-committees Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs since March 5.

According to NJ Spotlight, the congressman has been recycling old images to share online.

A worker passing by Rep. Kean’s office in Washington DC where he has been absent for several months (Reuters)

Kean previously pushed back his recovery timeline, telling the New Jersey Globe that he was near a return on May 21, and then pushing back his return to work on June 2.

His team has told the press that his condition will not impact his cognitive functioning.

The Independent has contacted Kean’s office for comment.

Kean won his seat by 5 points in 2024, and expected to face a tough re-election campaign in a competitive district. His Democrat opponent is a former Navy helicopter pilot. Republicans currently hold a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives of 218 to 212. If Democrats were to take back the House in 2026, they could create a roadblock to President Donald Trump’s agenda.

For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
Source of information and images “independent”“