Congressman Sean Duffy, husband of Rachel Campos Duffy, will be resigning from office on September 23 to spend time with his wife and expecting mother of their ninth child due to surprising health complications, including a heart condition, with their new baby due in October. Rep. Duffy announced his decision via Facebook on Monday.
"Next to marrying Rachel, representing you – the people and families of Wisconsin’s 7th District - in Congress has been the highest honor of my life. Together, we have engaged in the most important battles of our time: protecting freedom of speech and religious liberty, taking care of our veterans, defending the unborn, and saving American jobs and American capitalism," he posted. "After eight and a half years, the time has come for me to focus more on the reason we fight these battles – family."
"Being away from home in Washington four days a week is challenging and for that reason, I have always been open to signs from God when it comes to balancing my desire to serve both my family and my country," he continued.
"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," he revealed.
"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. It is not an easy decision – because I truly love being your Congressman – but it is the right decision for my family, which is my first love and responsibility," the Catholic father told his constituents.
The congressman thanked his chief of staff, Pete Meachum, and his district director, Jesse Garza, for their hard work. He also thanked his supporters for their constant prayers and support.
"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," he remarked.
Rep. Duffy married his wife in 1999 and has been in Congress since 2010.