Trump Endorses Absent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Ahead of New Jersey Primary

Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) just one day before the New Jersey Republican primary. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump praised Kean as a "tremendous advocate" for the America First agenda, highlighting his alignment on key issues such as border security, economic policy, and Second Amendment rights. Despite Kean running unopposed in the primary, the endorsement serves as a significant signal of party unity for a lawmaker who has been notably absent from public life for several months.

Kean’s absence from Capitol Hill has been a point of concern, as he has not cast a vote in the House since early March. The two-term congressman previously disclosed that he is managing a "personal medical issue" but has maintained that his prognosis is positive and that he expects to return to his full duties shortly. While his physical presence has been limited, Kean has remained active through digital channels, publicly thanking the former president for his support and continuing to encourage voter turnout ahead of the primary.

This endorsement carries weight beyond the primary, as Kean faces a challenging general election in a district currently rated as a "toss-up" by the Cook Political Report. With the Republican Party holding a razor-thin majority in the House, retaining the 7th Congressional District is a strategic priority. As Kean prepares to face one of four potential Democratic challengers in November, the backing of the party’s leader provides a necessary boost to his campaign, provided he can return to the trail and reassure voters of his readiness to serve a full term.