Yesterday, the congressman from Wisconsin announced his resignation effective September 23rd after learning about his baby’s anticipated health complications. Duffy’s ninth child, due October 2019, has an underlying heart condition; and as a result, he has made the decision to focus on his family and not seek reelection in 2020. So far, the story has been covered by major news outlets, including Fox News and CNN. The family has received an out-pouring of support and well wishes for their impending medical challenges, from politicians, pundits, opponents and followers alike.
Let’s be real, I’m sure you may not know who Sean Duffy is (and if you do, kudos to you). Here’s six fast-facts you need to know about this prominent figure, and all that's currently happening in his life. Who is Sean Duffy?
1. His claim to fame was through reality TV.
Sean joined the sixth season of the hit television series Real World in Real World: Boston. The motley gang spent their days in a converted firehouse, taking on different jobs while grappling to navigate cast drama unscathed. He later went on to appear on shows including, Road Rules: All Stars, Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Battle of the Seasons, and The Real World Awards Bash. For Sean, Real World was a catalyst towards a successful political career.
2. He was once an ESPN commentator.
During the early 2000s, Duffy served as a color commentator, aka sports maven, on ESPN. In the 2003 ESPN Great Outdoor Games, Duffy took on two roles as a color commentator and competitor, participating in events like fishing, archery, and speed climbing. Fun fact, Duffy is a talented log roller and speed climber, with two speed climbing titles to prove it.
RELATED: Rachel Campos-Duffy, Former 'Real World' Cast Member & Wife Of Congressman Sean Duffy, Pregnant With Ninth Child — Who Has Heart Complications
3. His political career began in 2002 and has been extensive since.
It's no secret that Sean Duffy has a demonstrated history of political success; clearly, he’s a guy who wears many hats. In 2002, he was appointed to the district attorney’s post, and was elected unopposed in the following years. From there, he was victorious in the 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin. Since then, he has won a seat on the House Financial Services Committee and “sponsored numerous deregulatory bills benefiting the financial industry,” not even including his long list of accolades and achievements.
4. He is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, also a Real World alum.
Rachel-Campos Duffy is currently a conservative host on Fox News, and has appeared on plenty of shows such as Like Is Like, The Kelly Files, and The View. She is also a national spokesperson for the non-profit organization, The LIBRE Initiative, which promotes limited government, free market capitalism, economic stability and more to the Hispanic community. She and her husband still reside in Wisconsin.
5. He and Rachel have eight children already.
The Duffys value family above all. As of 2016, the duo has eight children: three boys and five girls. Rachel continues to share the struggles of motherhood with a wider audience, getting candid about the ups and downs of raising her family. Fortunately though, the two support each other through everything, which is what helps all household operations run smoothly.
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Related Stories From YourTango: 6. What's next for Sean?
All we know is, Sean's expected daughter has "a couple holes in the heart" and the family has remained brave and resilient through the process. He plans to figure out a better balance between his political and personal life, but as of now, is devoting all his time to support his family during this difficult time.
7. Valentina StellaMaris was born Monday.
Rachel Campos-Duffy took to her social media accounts to announce the arrival of her ninth child, Valentina StellaMaris Duffy. On Facebook, she wrote about the experience of having her first C-section. “She was born last week, one month before her due date. She is doing great, though still in the NICU until she learns to eat on her own.” Baby Valentina has two holes in her heart and valves that will be fixed in three to four months. She also has Down Syndrome. Campos-Duffy wrote: "That extra chromosome certainly made her EXTRA cute. Life is wonderful!"
Dominique is an unapologetic Scorpio (BIG co-star girl), reality TV loving heathen, and twenty-something, NYC-based writer with a moderately interesting life, knack for editing, and passion for content creation.
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