General Discussion

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