Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) will return to Capitol Hill on June 30 after nearly four months away from Washington due to an undisclosed medical issue, ending an absence that became a national political story and created a vulnerability for Republicans defending what has become a competitive House seat. Kean’s political adviser, Harrison Neely, confirmed Thursday that the congressman plans to return to in-person work at the end of the month after missing more than 135 House votes since March 5. “Congressman Kean is eager to return to in person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule,” Neely said. “He plans to be fully transparent regarding the nature of his health issue and you should expect to hear from him in person June 30th.” The announcement marks the first time Kean’s team has provided a specific date for his return after months of public speculation about his condition. His office has repeatedly attributed the absence to a personal medical issue but has declined to provide details. The two-term Republican represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, a closely contested seat that has changed hands between the parties in recent election cycles. Kean defeated Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2022 and successfully defended the seat in 2024, but Democrats view the district as one of their best pickup opportunities in the 2026 midterms. Kean is expected to face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare executive who won her party’s nomination earlier this month. His prolonged absence has become a central issue in the race. While Kean has remained active through social media statements and campaign communications, he has not appeared publicly in Washington or throughout his district since early March. The lack of information surrounding his condition fueled media scrutiny and questions from political observers about how the absence might affect both his re-election prospects and the House Republican Conference’s narrow majority. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) previously defended Kean, telling reporters that the congressman was dealing with a legitimate medical issue and would eventually provide details about his condition. In May, Johnson said he had spoken with Kean and expected him to return. More recently, the speaker acknowledged he had encouraged the New Jersey Republican to be transparent about his health situation. Despite the absence, Kean has continued to receive support from top Republicans, including President Donald Trump. Earlier in June, Trump endorsed Kean’s re-election bid, writing on Truth Social that the congressman was “working tirelessly” and giving him his “Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.” The return announcement comes as both parties prepare for what is expected to be one of the most expensive and closely watched House races in the country. Democrats have already begun highlighting Kean’s absence, while Republicans argue the congressman deserves privacy while recovering from a medical issue. Bennett has largely avoided directly criticizing Kean’s health situation but has argued voters deserve active representation in Washington. Kean, whose father, former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean Sr., remains one of the state’s most popular political figures, previously told local media that his condition is not chronic and will not affect his cognitive abilities. According to Neely, the congressman intends to provide a full explanation of his medical issue upon his return to Capitol Hill on June 30, ending months of speculation surrounding one of the House GOP’s most closely watched members.