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GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. to return June 30 after mysterious months-long absence
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 20, 2026
· 2 min read
New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who's been absent from Congress since March with an unspecified medical issue, is set to return on June 30, a political consultant to the congressman said Thursday.Kean, who represents a battleground district in this year's midterms, has missed more than 1...
Key takeaway Mitch McConnell hospitalized; cause undisclosed"Congressman Kean is eager to return to in person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule," said Kean political consultant Harrison Neely in a text.
Why this matters in The Waco
The return of New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. to Congress on June 30 has implications beyond his home state, but for Waco residents, the story serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of national politics and local concerns. As a city within a larger metro area, Waco's own political landscape is influenced by the ebb and flow of national trends. The midterm elections, in which Kean's district is a key battleground, will likely have a ripple effect on Texas politics, including the Waco area. With the Waco Independent School District and local government closely tied to state and federal funding, the outcome of elections like Kean's can impact the city's ability to address its own unique challenges, such as hurricane and flooding risks. As Kean prepares to resume his duties, Waco residents may want to pay attention to how his return and the upcoming election could shape the city's future.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who's been absent from Congress since March with an unspecified medical issue, is set to return on June 30, a political consultant to the congressman said Thursday.Kean, who represents a battleground district in this year's midterms, has missed more than 1...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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