Frederica Wilson

Topline

Two House members have been absent for weeks, missing dozens of votes as both face tough re-election contests, including one that could jeopardize Republicans’ slim majority in the House.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

Kean, in a statement to the New Jersey Globe last month, thanked his "constituents and colleagues for their patience” as he addresses a “personal medical issue,” adding, “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. I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent.”

Tangent

Kean’s campaign spokesperson Harrison Neely told The New York Times last month he was “dealing with a personal medical issue” but is “going to be totally fine.” He declined to provide additional details to The Times about Kean’s health or when he would be back to work. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also defended Kean in a statement to the paper and said he “expects to be back to 100 percent very soon.”

Key Background

Kean, 57, was elected to the House in 2022, flipping the seat red. He won re-election in 2024 by six points, but there are warning signs for Republicans in the district. Democrat Gov. Mikie Sherrill beat Republican Jack Ciattarelli by two points in the district in November. Kean’s seat is one of several Democrats are hoping to flip to topple Republicans’ slim majority in the House. Wilson, 83, was elected in 2010 and ran uncontested in her most recent primary in 2024.

Further Reading

Democratic Lawmaker, 83, Has Been Missing for a Month (The New Republic)

Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s two-month absence continues as House returns (NBC)