Where Is Tom Kean Jr.? He's Missing From the Public Eye as Questions Grow in New Jersey
A congressman from New Jersey, Tom Kean Jr., hasn't been seen in public for some time, and now concern is growing as he remains mysteriously missing from the public eye.
According to People, Kean "has been missing from the public eye for 77 days as of Thursday, May 21." CNN called Kean's absence from Congress "mysterious," although he, and his father, have previously attributed it to an unclear health issue. But the nature of this ailment has not been revealed.
"Where in the world is Tom Kean Jr.?" the Bergen Recordasked in an editorial. On May 20, the paper noted that he "hasn't cast a vote in Washington or made an appearance back home in more than two months."
Tom Kean's Dad, the Former New Jersey Governor, Described It as a 'Real Illness'
Kean's dad, the former governor of New Jersey, Tom Kean Sr., added to the mystery when he told CNN that his son was dealing with what CNN described "as a serious but temporary illness."
"He's hopefully coming back soon and he's under the care of a doctor," Kean Sr. told CNN, adding that several doctors were involved. "They all agree he's going to be fine. He's under a doctor's care." The nature of this illness is not clear.
"It took a real illness to knock him out," Kean Sr. added. "This won't linger. It's not some kind of disease that's going to incapacitate him in the future. The consensus is that he will be 100% OK." On April 27, Kean put out a public statement that said he was dealing with "a personal medical issue" and said, "My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon."
"There's no cameras where Tom is," Kean's chief of staff told the New York Times, which has also explored his disappearance from the public eye.
Tom Kean's X Page Has Remained Active
On May 20, Speaker Mike Johnson said that he was "expecting him back here soon" and had spoken with Kean a few weeks before, People reported. Kean is a Republican.
"I don't even know the details and I respect that. It's members' personal privacy on whatever matters they're dealing with," Johnson said, according to People. "We've missed him. He's a great member of Congress. He'll get reelected because he comes from a long history, a legacy of faithful public service." Compounding the mystery, Kean is on the June 2 ballot, although he has no primary opponent. His staff did not respond to further inquiries from People.
Meanwhile, his X page has remained active. For example, on May 10, he wrote, "Remembering my late mother today-kind, generous, and gifted at turning simple moments into lasting memories. Thinking also of all the incredible mothers-especially my wife, Rhonda-who nurture, guide, and give so much of themselves every day." According to People, his office has continued to issue press releases that quote Kean.
Kean Jr.'s office told CNN that he "is still attending to a personal health matter," without clarifying what it is.
He last cast a vote on March 5, according to Raw Story, and is in one of the country's most competitive House districts.
Tom Kean's Neighbors Said They Hadn't Seen His Wife, Rhonda Kean, for Some Time, But Then She Answered the Door, a Report Says
According to NOTUS, Kean's "neighbors in suburban New Jersey say they haven't seen him either." NOTUS initially said that Kean's wife, Rhonda, hasn't been seen either.
"Kean's wife hasn't been spotted walking the family dog. No one could remember the last time her car was parked in the driveway. A single gardening glove was left on the front lawn this past weekend," the site reported.
However, the next day, she was at the home and declined to comment, according to NOTUS. Harrison Neely, a consultant for Kean, told NOTUS that Kean is "dealing with a personal medical situation and is under the care of doctors. The expectation is that he is going to be 100% and totally healthy. The timeline for that looks very good."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 3:22 PM.