Where is little Tom Keen? New Jersey Republican congressman’s absence from House due to health issues sparks controversy

Kean Jr., who has served as a member of the House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 7th District since 2023, has not revealed what exactly the “private health issues” in the case are.

As the House returns to session this week, his office released a statement Assuring lawmakers and the public that he would return to his normal full schedule “soon.” His absence has also frustrated other Republican lawmakers, given that the party currently holds a slim majority in the House.

On Tuesday, for example, he shared photos of congressional staff participating in the “10th Anniversary Celebration of Our North Jersey Community Salute to Honor the Class of 2026 High School Enlistees.” However, members of Congress were conspicuously absent.

“Congressman Keene is still dealing with personal health issues and we appreciate everyone’s outpouring of support,” his chief of staff Dan Scharffenberg said in a statement Monday. “He will be back to his normal full schedule soon.”

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However, the statement did not clarify what health issues Kean Jr. is dealing with or a timetable for his return to the House of Representatives.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said last month that he had been in contact with Keane and expected the 57-year-old to make a full recovery.

“Tom is one of the most dedicated and hard-working members of Congress, and I appreciate everything he has done and will continue to serve New Jerseyans and our country,” Johnson said, without specifying the nature of his health issues.

Currently, Republicans hold 217 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, while Democrats hold 212 seats. There are still 5 seats available.