NJ-07: Absent Congressman Calls Allies, but Stops Short of Public Appearance [View all]

[RandySF]

Republican officials in New Jersey said their phones suddenly began buzzing late last week with a familiar number as Mr. Kean began to re-engage with political leaders after being absent for nearly 12 weeks with an undisclosed medical condition during a high-stakes re-election campaign.

Carlos Santos said his phone rang at 4:52 p.m. on Thursday. Joe LaBarbera was in his car when his cell lit up five minutes later.

“I asked him if he needed anything,” Mr. LaBarbera, Sussex County’s Republican chairman, recalled saying.

“‘Just your prayers,’” he said Mr. Kean answered.



https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/25/nyregion/tom-kean-new-jersey-missing.html