Sean and Rachel Duffy: ‘Our Family is Only as Strong as Our Marriage’

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former congressman Sean Duffy to serve as Secretary of Transportation, the federal agency responsible for ensuring the “movement of people and goods” on the nation’s highways, waterways and rail lines – a critical component of the American economy.

Sean Duffy, 53, represented Wisconsin’s 7^th District for eight years, and most recently has been hosting The Bottom Line on Fox Business.

In his statement announcing the nomination, President-elect Trump said:

“Admired across the aisle, Sean worked with Democrats to clear extensive Legislative hurdles to build the largest road and bridge project in Minnesota History … The husband of a wonderful woman, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a star on Fox News, and the father of nine incredible children, Sean knows how important it is for families to be able to travel safely, and with peace of mind.”

Back in 2019, Sean Duffy voluntarily left a safe seat in Congress. Explaining his decision to Tucker Carlson, he emphasized the need to have more dedicated time with their children. At the time, the Duffy’s ninth child was on the way and needing significant medical treatment.

“Congressional schedules contrary to popular belief, they’re pretty rigorous,” he said.

“We work four days in Washington, you’re back in your district fair, parades, festivals, Dairy Breakfast, meeting constituents. I needed to take some time and be with my wife and my kids, take care of this little one that’s going to need more time from me. I didn’t die. I’m still around, but I just need to focus on family, and we always say, Tucker, you know what? Our families come first. Even though our politics are there first and if we don’t live what we believe, what good are we?”

The Duffys, who are Catholic, regularly champion the importance of a happy marriage and functional family in life.

“Our family is only as strong as our marriage,” Rachel has stressed, also noting the importance of being equally yoked. “Marriage is tough enough; having the same faith takes away a lot of potential disagreements and keeps us grounded.”

Sean Duffy will be replacing Pete Buttigieg, the current secretary whose tenure has been marked by a series of controversies and conflicts. There was the toxic train derailment in Ohio, as well as the airline cancellation chaos in 2022. Secretary Buttigieg also took extended paternity leave when he and his male partner adopted twins.

Despite strong pressure from friends, including President-elect Trump, Duffy resisted calls to run for Wisconsin’s governor in 2022. Citing their growing family’s needs, the former congressman said he didn’t want to continue being away from them for extended periods of time.

A strong proponent of parents’ rights, Duffy has opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates, as well as any policies that infringe upon mothers’ and fathers’ absolute authority when it comes to the caring for and raising of their children.

“I know my kids best,” says Duffy. “I know what morals and values are right for my children. I think we should not have an oppressive state telling us what to do.”

Staunchly pro-life, Duffy often extols the virtue of large families. “Every baby we’ve had has been a gift from God and has come from blessings. And so we take every gift we’re given.”

Addressing the privilege of representing his Wisconsin constituents back in 2019, Duffy expressed appreciation – but also put his role within his family in perspective.

“I’m very grateful to all of them,” he reflected. “It has been an honor to be their congressman. But it’s also a greater honor to be [my children’s] dad. There’s 435 members of Congress, there’s only one dad in the Duffy household. And so those congressmen can do their work. I’m going to go do my dad work.”

Sean Duffy now tackles the many challenges associated with overseeing the myriad of America’s transportation challenges. But he’s made clear that transporting and caring for their nine children – Evita Pilar, Xavier Jack, Lucia-Belen, John-Paul, Paloma Pilar, MariaVictoria Margarita, Margarita Pilar, Patrick Miguel and StellaMaris – remain his top priority.

Image credit: The Duffys