Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Absent Rep. Tom Kean Secures GOP Renomination in Competitive New Jersey Seat

His undisclosed medical absence plus continued official activity raise ethics questions and could influence control of a toss-up House district.

Overview

  • Kean ran unopposed and won the Republican nomination on Tuesday, locking in his spot on the November ballot.
  • The congressman has not cast a House roll-call vote since March 5, a stretch that totals more than 100 missed votes according to voting records.
  • Kean says he is addressing a personal medical issue, that he will move from virtual to in-person duties in a matter of weeks, and that he will disclose medical details when able.
  • Reporting shows Kean continued some official actions while absent, including certifying stock trades, approving staff travel and keeping social accounts active, which has prompted ethics and transparency scrutiny.
  • Democrats nominated Rebecca Bennett to challenge Kean and the DCCC lists the seat as a top target, making this race a possible factor in the fight for control of the narrowly divided House and raising questions about contingency rules under New Jersey election law.