Rep. Tom Kean Jr., after two and a half months of being out of the public eye, has started to reach out more through phone communication amid speculation about his health and political future.
On Thursday, Kean reached out to Republican county chairs in his 7th Congressional District, which is considered one of the most competitive in the current midterm elections. The two-term Republican also had a “lengthy” interview with the New Jersey Globe on Thursday afternoon, marking his first public comments since last voting on March 5.
Kean did not reply to a text message from POLITICO, and his voicemail was full Thursday night.
At 57, Kean offered no specifics about his undisclosed illness to the Globe, which has kept him out of sight since early March. He expressed optimism about a full recovery, assured it would not impair his cognitive health, confirmed his intention to run for reelection, and mentioned plans to discuss his health publicly at a later date.
“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” Kean told New Jersey Globe. “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.”
Kean added that he expects to resume voting and campaigning in a few weeks. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), who chairs the House GOP’s campaign arm, mentioned to reporters that he spoke with Kean and that Kean plans to return to voting in June.
Kean’s prolonged absence has caught national media attention, with journalists closely monitoring his home in the affluent 7th Congressional District. He is gearing up for a fiercely contested reelection, with four Democrats vying in the June 2 primary to challenge him in November. His campaign and office staff consistently maintained that he anticipates a full recovery and would be back at work “soon.”
However, only a few people — including Kean’s two fellow New Jersey House Republicans — have recently reported speaking with him. House Speaker Mike Johnson informed reporters that he had a conversation with Kean last month.
Kean made phone calls to Republican chairs in his district on Thursday.
“He sounded good to me. Sounded just as normal as always,” commented Carlos Santos, the Republican chair of Union County, where Kean resides.
Santos noted that he did not inquire about Kean’s ailment, nor did Kean reveal any details. However, Kean did confirm his intention to seek reelection, and Santos expressed his support.
Tracy DiFrancesco, the GOP chair of Somerset County, also connected with Kean.
“It was just a simple conversation. He sounded just like Tom always sounds. He sounded perfectly fine. He’s basically back. Hopefully, we’re going to see him very soon,” she remarked. “I think he’s doing well and we’re excited to get back on his campaign.”
