Dems pick challenger for GOP congressman who vanished from public view amid health mystery

Democrat Rebecca Bennett will face Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., an embattled lawmaker sidelined for months by an undisclosed health issue, in November's general election. 

Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic nomination in a crowded primary for a battleground New Jersey House seat, according to The Associated Press. 

Bennett's primary victory sets up what could be the two-term incumbent's toughest re-election fight yet. The suburban swing district is considered critical to House Republicans' efforts to hold their slim majority.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., narrowly carried the northern New Jersey swing seat during her gubernatorial race in 2025. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated the contest as a "toss-up." 

Kean released a written statement shortly before polls closed Tuesday saying he will be "completely transparent" about his medical issue when he resumes in-person work, which he said he expects to do "within a matter of weeks."

"I understand the need for transparency on this matter, and I look forward to sharing my experience with the public," he continued, without further elaborating on his condition.

The New Jersey Republican has missed all 104 of the most recent roll call votes, according to GovTrack, a website that monitors congressional absences. He last voted March 5.

His office has continued to post on social media and Kean has even introduced legislation during his absence.

President Donald Trump highlighted his endorsement of Kean in a post on social media, stating the incumbent lawmaker "WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN."

Tina Shah and Michael Roth - two former Biden administration officials - challenged Bennett for the Democratic nomination. Brian Varela, a businessman running on a progressive platform, also launched a bid for the seat.

Bennett, a first-time candidate, ran a less progressive campaign than the other Democrats in the race. She was the lone Democrat to stop short of calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), House Republicans' campaign arm, immediately criticized Bennett following her primary win."The truth is, Bennett is a tax-and-spend liberal who worships the socialist Squad and wants to make life more expensive for New Jerseyans," National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O'Toole said in a statement Tuesday.