Saturday marked the 100th day since Representative Thomas Kean Jr., a Republican from New Jersey, last participated in a public congressional activity. Kean’s absence comes amid a competitive re-election campaign in New Jersey’s Seventh District, a politically significant seat that could influence control of the House in the coming term.

Kean’s final recorded public act took place on March 5, when he voted in favor of legislation funding the Trump administration’s immigration policies and played a role in efforts to end a government shutdown. On the same day, he spoke during a House Committee on Energy and Commerce markup, supporting a bill that would require parental consent for children under 18 to engage in online gaming chats, citing concerns about child exploitation. Although his speech exhibited some hesitation, there was no visible indication of illness.

Following a weeklong congressional recess, Kean did not return when the House reconvened on March 17. Since then, he has missed 135 votes, including key measures on fiscal policy, environmental regulation, and the funding of child care programs for states deemed "non-compliant." His absence has been noted by both colleagues and constituents, with few public disclosures about his whereabouts or health.

Kean’s office has issued two statements attributing his absence to an undisclosed medical condition requiring ongoing treatment. Despite remaining out of public view, Kean has continued activities such as buying and selling stocks and submitting remarks to the Congressional Record. His spokesman, Harrison Neely, confirmed that Kean has been working remotely but declined to specify his location.

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged he is aware of the nature of Kean’s health issue but said he would not disclose it at the congressman’s request. Kean has committed to providing full transparency about his condition in the near future, but a definitive return date has yet to be announced. Earlier statements from Kean’s office expressed intentions for a “very soon” return in late April, followed by assurances in May and June that he planned to be back within weeks.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has nominated Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, to challenge Kean in the November election. New Jersey’s Seventh District, represented by Kean since 2023, holds a slight Republican registration advantage but remains a closely watched battleground. Both parties view the race as critical to determining the balance of power in the House.

Kean’s ongoing absence has become a focal point in the campaign. A politically funded advertisement running in the district urges the congressman to either resume his duties or step aside, criticizing his failure to participate in Congress while maintaining stock transactions. The ad’s sponsoring group, identified only as Your Community, has unclear funding sources, and its treasurer referred inquiries to a spokesman.

The Kean campaign has continued operations without its candidate. The Republican National Committee stated it has dedicated significant resources to the effort, including a team of employees and hundreds of volunteers conducting door-to-door canvassing and phone outreach. When asked about the campaign’s on-the-ground presence, Kean’s office declined to provide detailed responses, with aides referencing past remarks that alluded to Kean’s absence from public view.

On the 99th day of Kean’s absence, his office publicly commemorated Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, as part of a series marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. However, no interviews or personal statements from the congressman have been forthcoming since his last official action.