Overview
- Kean last recorded a roll-call vote on March 5 and has missed well over 75 to 100 subsequent votes, leaving his seat unrepresented on key House business.
- On April 27 Kean said he was dealing with a “personal medical issue,” and in a late-May interview he said doctors expect a full recovery and that he plans to return “in the next couple of weeks” while seeking reelection.
- Local reporting says neighbors have not seen Kean and his home was dark for weeks, and NOTUS reported he electronically signed stock transaction disclosures showing trades in April.
- Republican operatives and House leaders say the unexplained absence is fueling anxiety because the competitive New Jersey 7th District is central to the GOP holding its razor-thin majority and to near-term votes in June.
- Democrats and some voters are pressing for more detail, citing continued campaign fundraising — including reports of more than $600,000 from corporate PACs — and the DCCC lists the district as a target ahead of the June primary and November general election.