Trump endorses absent Republican incumbent in New Jersey House primary | New Jersey
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-02 14:26:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Endorses Kean Amid Concerns Over His Absence
On the day Donald Trump endorsed Tom Kean Jr. as a “tireless advocate” for New Jersey’s seventh district, Kean was notably absent from the public eye, having not been seen since early March. The New Jersey Republican last cast a House floor vote on March 5 and is running unopposed in the upcoming Republican primary. Meanwhile, the Democratic race in his district has attracted multiple candidates and significant fundraising efforts.
Kean’s Health and Absence
In late April, Kean’s office reported that he was dealing with a “personal medical issue” and would return “very soon.” He later told the New Jersey Globe that he expected to be back within “the next couple of weeks.” Despite his absence, Kean’s social media accounts have remained active, with staff attending various events on his behalf, including ribbon-cuttings and graduation ceremonies.
Trump’s Supportive Statement
Trump expressed his support for Kean on Truth Social, stating, “Tom is working tirelessly to Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.” This endorsement comes at a time when Kean’s health has raised concerns among his Republican colleagues, who are apprehensive about the upcoming election, especially with four Democratic candidates each raising over $1 million for their campaigns.
Concerns Among Republican Colleagues
According to CNN, House Speaker Mike Johnson has spoken privately with Kean but has not been informed of a return date. Some Republican leaders are worried not only about Kean’s health but also about the implications for the party’s hold on the seat, given the competitive Democratic landscape. Questions have arisen regarding New Jersey law and what would happen if Kean were unable to continue after winning the uncontested primary.
Unanswered Questions
Multiple staffers in Kean’s office did not respond to inquiries about whether he was aware of Trump’s endorsement or how he was doing health-wise. As the primary approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Kean’s situation adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive political environment.
In summary, while Trump has publicly endorsed Kean, the representative’s prolonged absence and health concerns have left many questions unanswered as the election draws near. The dynamics of the race could shift significantly depending on Kean’s ability to return to the campaign trail.