Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., sharply criticized fellow Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey on Wednesday, expressing frustration over his prolonged absence from Congress as House Republicans continue operating with a razor-thin majority.
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has not cast a vote since early March. The congressman, whose father served as New Jersey governor from 1982 to 1990, previously issued a brief statement indicating he was dealing with an unspecified medical issue.
While Kean has largely remained out of public view, he did participate in a phone interview with the New Jersey Globe on May 21. During that conversation, he said he planned to seek reelection, expected to return to work and campaigning “in the next couple of weeks,” and stated that his doctors were confident he was on the road to a full recovery.
President Donald Trump also included Kean among a group of candidates he endorsed Monday in a series of posts on Truth Social.
Still, Kean’s continued absence has become a growing source of concern among Republicans in Washington. With Speaker Mike Johnson overseeing a narrowly divided House, every vote carries significant weight. At the same time, New Jersey’s 7th District is widely viewed as politically competitive, leading some Republicans to worry that Kean’s absence could become a vulnerability heading into the general election.
Those frustrations boiled over Wednesday when Boebert was questioned by a TMZ reporter about Kean’s continued absence from Capitol Hill.
“Where is he?” Boebert responded. “No, seriously. It’s embarrassing. We’re supposed to be the party that is against campaigning from the basement.”
The Colorado congresswoman said she had little information about Kean’s status.
“I don’t know where this guy is,” she said. “I haven’t heard from him. I’ve heard people cover for him.”
Boebert questioned whether Republicans could continue relying on a member who has been absent for months, even while acknowledging the importance of maintaining the party’s narrow majority.
“I mean, sure, we need a majority, but under these circumstances?” she said.
She contrasted Kean’s absence with her own efforts to retain her seat and represent constituents.
“I worked my ass off to get re-elected and serve the people of my district,” Boebert said, adding that Kean had not been present since March.
When asked whether other Republicans shared her concerns, Boebert suggested many members may not even know Kean personally.
“I don’t know if everyone knows who he is,” she said. “I don’t know if I have ever seen him in person. I don’t know this guy.”
Boebert also questioned the lack of detailed information surrounding Kean’s medical condition, arguing that lawmakers and constituents deserve greater transparency regarding his absence.
“I’m not saying that he’s dead,” she said, “but, I mean, come on — absent. Like where is the representation? It’s taxation without representation, is it not?”
She continued pressing for answers about Kean’s situation.
“What are they? Where is he? Is he in the hospital? Where is he?! I don’t know!” she said regarding his reported health issues.
Boebert also argued that absentee lawmakers are not always subjected to equal scrutiny, referencing proxy voting policies that House Democrats used during the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that Kean’s absence has not received enough attention.
Despite her criticism, Boebert concluded on a more conciliatory note.
“Again, I wish the guy well — I hope he gets better with whatever ails him,” she said.
Asked what she would say to Kean if she could speak with him directly, Boebert responded with a laugh.
“Hi. It’s great to meet you,” she said. “I’m Lauren Boebert.”
When the reporter remarked that she had apparently never met him, Boebert acknowledged that she probably had, but remained uncertain.
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