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GOP Faces Tight Vote Margin as Lawmaker’s Absence Stretches On

A crucial stretch on Capitol Hill is unfolding without one Republican lawmaker whose absence has quietly grown into a significant concern for party leadership. According to Fox News , Tom Kean Jr. has been away from…

Andrew Powell·Apr 27, 2026·3 min read

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A crucial stretch on Capitol Hill is unfolding without one Republican lawmaker whose absence has quietly grown into a significant concern for party leadership.

According to Fox News, Tom Kean Jr. has been away from Washington for more than a month, missing every recorded vote during that span due to what his office has described only as a health issue.

The timing could hardly be more sensitive. House Republicans are preparing to take up key legislation, including a budget framework tied to immigration enforcement and a measure to reauthorize warrantless surveillance authorities.

With a razor-thin majority, even a single missing vote can complicate efforts for House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leadership.

Kean’s spokesperson, Harrison Neely, offered reassurance about the congressman’s condition but few specifics.

“He’s expected to be totally fine and back to a full schedule soon,” Neely said.

No timeline has been given for Kean’s return, nor have details about his illness been disclosed.

According to GovTrack, a site that tracks congressional activity, Kean has missed 50 roll call votes since March 17, marking a 100% absence rate over that period. His last recorded vote was on March 5.

Johnson said he has spoken directly with Kean and expressed confidence in his recovery.

“He is attending to a personal health matter and expects to be back to 100% very soon,” Johnson said. “Tom is one of the most dedicated and hardest-working Members of Congress

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GOP Faces Tight Vote Margin as Lawmaker’s Absence Stretches On — IJR

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, and I am grateful for all he does and will continue to do to serve New Jerseyans and our country.”

The extended absence has also drawn political attention as Democrats focus on Kean’s competitive district ahead of the midterm elections.

The Cook Political Report has labeled the race a “toss-up,” highlighting the stakes for both parties. Kean previously secured reelection in 2024 with a five-point victory over Democratic challenger Sue Altman, and multiple Democrats are now competing in a primary to challenge him.

Criticism has also emerged over the lack of transparency surrounding his condition.

“New Jersey voters deserve to know where Congressman Kean Jr. is and why he continues to play the stock market while in office,” said Eli Cousin, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The remark referenced a report indicating Kean has continued making stock trades during his absence. His office has previously stated that financial advisors manage his investments without his direct involvement.

Despite not being physically present in Washington, Kean’s office has remained active online, recently highlighting legislative efforts he introduced that advanced through committee.

Those updates, however, have not addressed his ongoing absence — leaving open questions about when he will return as the House enters a pivotal legislative week.