Rep. Lauren Boebert tore into fellow GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. for an unexplained absence from Congress, saying his lack of voting since early March and vague “medical issue” explanation is “embarrassing” and fueling GOP frustration as House Republicans fight to k
Rep. Lauren Boebert didn’t mince words when she was asked about her fellow GOP congressman’s whereabouts.
In an interview on Wednesday, June 3, the Colorado congresswoman slammed Rep. Tom Kean Jr. for what she described as an absence she can’t account for. “Where is he?” Boebert asked. “No, seriously. It’s embarrassing. We’re supposed to be the party that is against campaigning from the basement.”
Boebert pressed further, saying she hasn’t heard from him and that others have been trying to cover for Kean. “I don’t know where this guy is,” she continued. “I haven’t heard from him. I’ve heard people cover for him.”
Her criticism wasn’t limited to personal frustration. She also challenged what Kean’s prolonged absence means for House Republicans trying to protect their slim majority. “I mean. sure. we need a majority. but under these circumstances?” she said. framing Kean’s missing presence against the GOP’s struggle to hold its razor-thin House hold and Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to “barely afford” losing votes.
Boebert contrasted Kean’s situation with her own work, telling viewers, “I worked my a** off to get reelected and serve the people of my district. This guy hasn’t been here since, what? March?”
That timeline matches the central complaint: Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has not cast a vote since early March and has provided only a vague explanation for his absence involving an unspecified “medical issue.”
As the conversation continued, Boebert repeatedly demanded clarity about Kean’s condition and where he is. “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 then went straight at the gaps in the medical excuse, asking for specifics. “What are they? Where is he? Is he in the hospital? Where is he? I don’t know!” Boebert said.
Even as she pushed for answers, Boebert acknowledged Kean’s health in her own way, saying, “Again, I wish the guy well — I hope he gets better with whatever ails him.” She also suggested House Republicans had failed to publicly challenge Kean enough over his absence.
Kean’s last appearance for votes in the House came in early March. and since then the 57-year-old congressman has remained largely out of public view while offering limited updates. In a May 21 interview with the New Jersey Globe. Kean insisted he intended to seek reelection and said he expected to resume work “in the next couple of weeks.” He also said. “My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery.”.
Still, the political clock has kept moving. Kean secured his party’s nomination for reelection in the midterm primaries on Tuesday. June 2. after receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Trump wrote on social media. “Tom Kean has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election. ” adding. “HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”.
And yet the party’s unease is not theoretical. Republicans are increasingly worried about the consequences of having a largely absent member representing a competitive swing district ahead of November’s midterm elections.
In those elections, Kean is set to face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot.
All of it—Kean’s stalled voting record, his vague “medical issue” explanation, Boebert’s insistence on accountability, and Trump’s endorsement—lands in the middle of a House already strained by vote math and high pressure.
Lauren Boebert Tom Kean Jr. GOP Congress absence medical issue New Jersey 7th district Speaker Mike Johnson House Republicans razor-thin majority Donald Trump endorsement Rebecca Bennett November midterms
Embarrassing yeah but where’s the proof?
Didn’t Tom Kean get in trouble with votes like… a while back? I could be mixing people up but sounds like this is just politics and someone’s “medical issue” is convenient. Either way, if you don’t show up you don’t show up.
I’m confused how she can say he hasn’t voted since March like that’s not just how the system works sometimes? Also if it’s medical, maybe he’s legit dealing with something. But she keeps pushing, like she wants sympathy + to throw shade.
This is why I hate Congress. One guy is “missing” and everyone acts like it’s a sports game. Boebert saying she worked her ass off like that means he owes her an update… also “I’m not saying he’s dead”??? come on. Sounds nasty and petty to me.