Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-New Jersey), who hasn’t been seen in public in months, won the GOP primary on Tuesday, running unopposed.

On Monday, President Donald Trump endorsed Kean, offering a forceful show of support to a congressman whose prolonged absence from public life has become an increasingly unusual issue in the 2026 midterm campaign.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump praised Kean as a reliable supporter of his political agenda and urged voters in New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District to back the Republican incumbent in Tuesday’s primary election. The endorsement arrived even as questions continue to swirl around Kean’s whereabouts and health after nearly three months away from public appearances.

Kean, 57, has not been seen publicly since early March and has missed more than 100 House votes during his absence, according to multiple reports. His office has attributed the disappearance to a personal medical issue but has released few details, citing privacy concerns. Staff members have repeatedly said that he intends to return to congressional duties, though no firm timetable has been provided.

The unusual situation has generated growing concern among Republicans, particularly because Kean represents one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country. Democrats view the district as a prime pickup opportunity in November and have sought to make Kean’s absence a campaign issue, arguing that voters deserve greater transparency from their elected representative.

Despite the uncertainty, Kean faced no opposition in the Republican primary. Trump’s endorsement underscored the president’s confidence in the congressman and suggested that Republican leaders remain committed to defending the seat. The district, which Kean won in 2022 and retained in 2024, has frequently been contested by both parties and is expected to draw significant national attention in the general election.

Behind the scenes, however, questions persist. Reports indicate that even some Republican officials have privately expressed concern about Kean’s health and ability to resume a full campaign schedule. House Speaker Mike Johnson has spoken with the congressman but has not publicly offered a date for his return.

Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy fighter pilot, won the Democratic nomination.