Lawmakers Running For Reelection Despite Being Out Of Sight For Weeks

Democratic Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson and Republican New Jersey Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. are seeking reelection despite being absent for weeks.

Wilson, 83, missed over 40 consecutive votes for about a month and missed all votes after April 17, while Kean last voted on March 5. Despite her prolonged absence, Wilson told her allies during a phone call Thursday that she plans to run for reelection, Axios reported.

During her absence, Wilson missed a major vote on extending Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) surveillance authorities. Despite being a member, she also has not appeared on any footage from hearings held by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure or the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that Wilson was “recovering from a procedure” and he expected she would “be back shortly.”

In addition to not voting, Kean has not been seen on the campaign trail while running for reelection in a competitive midterm race. In April, Kean stated he was dealing with a “personal medical issue” and would return soon, though he gave no additional details.