My reflex is to assume lies and something else is in play.

The situation is fresh news to me.

Here are two recent articles.

Missing New Jersey GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. expects to return ‘in the next couple of weeks’
by Sophie Brams - 05/21/26 6:29 PM ET; The Hill

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) is attempting to end speculation about when he may return from a mysterious months-long absence from Congress, telling a New Jersey newspaper Thursday that he plans to be back “in the next couple of weeks.”

“I anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I’ll return to voting and to the campaign trail,” Kean told the New Jersey Globe in his first public interview in weeks, adding that he was in touch daily with his congressional office.

Kean, who is seeking a third term in the U.S. House, has not cast a vote since March 5 due to what he said in late April was a “personal medical issue,” without providing specifics.

The 57-year-old representative said Thursday that his doctors were “confident” that he was “on the road to a full recovery,” describing his prognosis as positive.

“I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents,” Kean said.

more including video at: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5890389-kean-jr-health-update/

Absent NJ Republican Kean says he is running for reelection
Story by Katie Hawkinson and Jasmine Fernández; 5/21/26

Representative Tom Kean Jr. has confirmed he will run for reelection to a third term and expects to make a full recovery from an undisclosed medical issue that has sidelined him since March.

Speaking to the New Jersey Globe Thursday in his first interview since his absence began, the New Jersey Republican said his doctors are confident in his prognosis and that he expects to return to Washington, D.C., and the campaign trail within the next couple of weeks.

“I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents,” Kean told the outlet, adding that he intends to publicly discuss the details of his illness soon.

The 57-year-old lawmaker said that the condition has no expected long-term effects, chronic complications or impacts on his cognitive health, and that he remains in daily communication with his congressional staff.

The update follows weeks of speculation during which political allies and local party leaders, including Hunterdon County GOP Chairman Gabe Plumer, sought to quiet what Plumer described as a “rumor mill.” Prior to Thursday’s interview, Kean had missed 99 roll call votes, having last cast a vote March 5.

more including Mike Johnson video: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/mystery-grows-over-missing-gop-rep-tom-kean/ar-AA23L0N8

his absence. And he is lying, because he or his spokesliar gave us the same "couple of weeks" bs several weeks ago.

Don't believe much of anything said by GOP especially when Mike Johnson comments.

Why said, "My reflex is to assume lies and something else is in play."

The tale is new to me. Offered several versions in media from liars.

I'm sympathetic to the medical problems, and he can keep it private if he so desires. But he has no right to collect a paycheck for representing the people of New Jersey while he's clearly incapacitated.

House Democrats have been censured for less than this.

Ballotpedia has the district as Toss-up with Leans Republican.

https://ballotpedia.org/New_Jersey%27s_7th_Congressional_District_election,_2026_(June_2_Democratic_primary)

to beat Tom Kean!

TY!

what’s going on with Kean, but he needs to pretend everything is normal.

Hmmmmmmmmmm.......... Thanks for this post. I read a couple of articles and this stinks to high Heaven.

Not the reaction I'd expect from a Speaker who's majority survives by a couple of seats.

I had to google the meaning of your moniker.

Yep, I feel the same way. But having retired, I'm not in anybodys way any more. Except maybe the missus.
But I've ALWAYS been in her way!!

Not very creative,

I know what you mean. The poor thing has been stuck with me for 43 years.

closet making all those trades for him
and if the wife isn't around then the don probably just got rid of her

And of course the Uglicans will protest that you can't criticize him/her (oh and of course the pronoun will be an unassailable personal choice, Uglicans wouldn't have it any other way !) for it and that the Dems and Progressives are prejudiced against trans people and oh isn't it such a shame that Dems are so cruel and evil ! More cast-iron cookware seeing its reflection in the shiny copper kettle, because they *never* miss an opportunity to extend their record of blatant hypocrisy.

Other possibilities: turning cyborg, joining the Borg, or being Remade.

or sending well wishes for recovery (assuming the illness story is legit). Which one would expect from someone who wears his faith on his sleeve and wants people to think he's doing the Lord's work.

He's too focused on keeping this story tamped down so it doesn't hurt their chances at keeping the seat.

GOP Priorities.

… to recover from a brain transplant.

Mental illness still has lots of stigma attached to it. Perhaps he had a nervous breakdown.

The party of “strong he-men” (and the women that supposedly love them) would be scandalized by something that they felt showed weakness. Better a dead hooker or live boy than a stay at a sanitarium. No rightwinger wants to talk about THAT.

isn’t there something in their job description about doing actual work to receive a paycheck and benefits? If he isn’t able to perform his duties, shouldn’t he have taken a medical leave of absence? We don’t have to know his personal business but he is supposed to be working for the people. I don’t wish ill on anyone, but he’s got a job he was elected to do and getting paid for that isn’t being done. Guess I worked in the private sector for too long.