Missing Republican breaks silence for the first time

A 57-year-old Republican lawmaker who has gone missing for 77 days broke his silence for the first time on Thursday.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), who is running for re-election in a highly contested swing seat, confirmed he plans to continue in the race for a third term and vowed to soon disclose more information about his health and an illness. Since he disappeared from the public eye, Kean has missed dozens of votes amid speculation about his whereabouts, while social media posts have continued to be published on his X account.

David Wildstein, Editor of The New Jersey Globe, reported that Kean was "nearing a return to work and intends to discuss publicly the health issue that has sidelined him since March."

Kean told Wildstein in a phone interview on Thursday that his health prognosis is positive and he was not expecting to have long-term effects or any chronic health complications. He also added that the medical issue would not impede his cognitive health.

"My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery," Kean said. "I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents."

He provided a timeline for his hoped-for return.

"I anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I’ll return to voting and to the campaign trail," Kean said.