Rep. Tom Keene Jr. Plans Return to Congress After Absence
Rep. Tom Keene Jr. from New Jersey announced on Thursday that he intends to return to Congress “in the coming weeks” after missing 100 consecutive House votes. His office has only indicated that these absences are due to “personal health issues.”
“Doctors are confident that I am on the path to a full recovery,” said the 57-year-old congressman during his first public statement since stepping away from Capitol proceedings in March, speaking to the New Jersey Globe.
“I understand the public’s need for transparency and appreciate the support of my constituents,” he added. “We’ll be back to voting and campaigning soon.” Keene last participated in a vote on March 5, and since then, he has not taken part in any House roll calls, according to GovTrack. His prolonged absence is noteworthy, especially since Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, and Keene represents a competitive congressional district ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Keene’s Absence Impacting House Republican Majority
Details about his illness have not been made public; his office continues to focus on his recovery and plans to return “soon.” Last week, his father, former New Jersey Governor Tom Keene Sr., mentioned that his son is recovering from a “serious illness.” Keene Sr. expressed a hopeful estimate that his son might be out of the hospital in two to three weeks. He acknowledged that returning from a serious illness means one won’t be at 100% right away, and recovery tends to be gradual.
House Speaker Comments on Keene’s Situation
House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana mentioned that he had recently spoken with Keene but did not have specific updates on his health status. “We expect him to be back here soon. He has a medical issue,” Johnson stated. It seems the House Republican majority is feeling the pressure, particularly as absenteeism becomes a prominent topic, especially in New Jersey where Democrats are targeting Keene’s competitive district.
Although Keene is running unopposed in the June 2 Republican primary, several Democrats are competing for the nomination. Earlier this month, a close aide remarked, “There are no cameras where Tom is.” Keene’s consultant, Harrison Neely, reiterated this week that the congressman remains intent on seeking re-election while dealing with his health challenges.
