GOP Rep. Sean Duffy is Resigning to Care for Baby with Heart Condition
Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy is resigning from Congress, effective September 23. The rising GOP star wants to give more attention to his family — in particular, a soon-to-be-born baby girl with health complications. Duffy and his wife, Fox News contributor Rachel Campos-Duffy, are expecting their ninth child in October.
“Recently, we’ve learned that our baby, due in late October, will need even more love, time, and attention due to complications, including a heart condition,” Duffy wrote in a Facebook post “With much prayer, I have decided that this is the right time for me to take a break from public service in order to be the support my wife, baby and family need right now.”
Duffy called his family “my first love and responsibility,” adding he’s “always been open to signs from God” when it comes to balancing service to his family and country.
Duffy has served in Congress since 2010. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers will call a special election to fill Duffy’s seat.
Before coming to Washington, Duffy was district attorney of Ashland County, Wisconsin. He’s also a former world-champion lumberjack athlete and ESPN color commentator.
The Duffys met thanks to the MTV reality show, The Real World. Rachel appeared on Real World: San Francisco. Sean was on Real World: Boston. They would meet after joining other Real World alumni on another reality show: Road Rules.
Campos-Duffy announced her pregnancy in May. “Buckingham Palace isn’t the only one with big baby news,” she wrote on Instagram. “We found out God isn’t done with our family yet. Baby #9 coming this fall! Don’t tell us we’re crazy. We prefer brave and full of hope for America’s future!”
Today Duffy wrote, “I will miss being your Congressman, but I am also looking forward to having more time with my family, being home for more birthdays and hockey games, and having time to enjoy and care for our new baby girl, who is already so loved by our family.”
Duffy said he is especially grateful for the prayers for his family, adding, “We hope they keep coming!”
CALL TO ACTION:
We thank God for the Duffys and their example of dedication to their children and country. We pray that God blesses them with everything they need as they care for each other and their family. We pray for Baby Duffy’s health and medical care.
Aliya Kuykendall is a Staff Writer for The Stream. You can follow Aliya on Twitter @AliyaKuykendall and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.
