WASHINGTON — New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. broke his silence on his barely explained, weeks-long absence from Capitol Hill over mysterious “health issues,” vowing to return “very soon.”

The 57-year-old North Jersey Republican last cast a House vote on March 5 and has missed dozens of votes in the time since.

He thanked his colleagues for their patience as he addresses a “personal medical issue.”

“My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon,” he said in a statement days after controversy over his prolonged absence began.

“I also want to thank my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their patience and understanding during this time. I appreciate your support and look forward to being back in the near future.”

Kean is running for reelection in one of the country’s most competitive districts. His fellow New Jersey GOPers have seemingly been kept in the dark until late last week about why he vanished from the Capitol.

His office had also declined to publicly disclose the health issue he faced.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.

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