Kean's absence is the latest complication for the Republican majority, which stands at 217 seats plus one independent who caucuses with them, to the Democrats' 212 seats. The majority has been further strained by other recent departures: Democrat Eric Swalwell of California resigned amid allegations of sexual assault; Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas resigned after admitting to an affair with an aide who later took her own life; and Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned ahead of a potential expulsion vote after being indicted on charges related to allegedly misusing $5m in federal disaster relief funds. Two more seats are vacant after the deaths of California Republican Doug LaMalfa and Georgia Democrat David Scott this week.
Kean, who beat Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2022 to win a seat representing a district in New Jersey's north-west corner, won re-election in 2024 as Donald Trump carried his district by a narrow 50%. He is viewed as the most vulnerable Republican congressman in New Jersey, and leftwing groups have announced six-figure ad buys intended to convince voters to unseat him. Kean's campaign spokesman Harrison Neely said the congressman is handling a personal health matter and will be back to a full schedule soon. The specific health issue and exact return date remain unclear.
The congressman is handling a personal health matter. He will be 100% healthy and back to a full schedule soon.