WASHINGTON, DC (WSAU) -- US Representative Sean Duffy has announced he will be resigning from his position next month due to complications stemming from his wife's pregnancy.
"After eight and a half years, the time has come for me to focus more on the reason we fight these battles – family," said Duffy in a statement on Monday.
Duffy didn't specify what the complications were but did hint that they involved the child's heart. "It is the right decision for my family, which is my first love and responsibility," he added.
Duffy's wife Rachel is pregnant with the family's 9th child, the couple announced back in May. Both Sean and Rachel acknowledged back then that they were "on the other side of the bell curve for doing this," but said it felt right because they had high hopes for America's future, adding "God's not done with our family yet."
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Since Duffy's announcement support for his family has been coming in from across the state. Wisconsin State Senator Tom Tiffany released a statement Monday morning saying he is proud to call Sean a friend, and that he will be greatly missed. "I would like to thank Congressman Sean Duffy for his service to the people of Northern Wisconsin. I wish Sean, Rachel, and their family the very best with their future plans," he added.
In a statement the Republican Party of Wisconsin praised Duffy's service to the northern district."[He] has served with dedication, honor, and interminable love for our state and its people. Sean has always been a great friend of the party and exceptional proponent of our conservative ideals."
The statement concluded by offering continued support, thoughts, and prayers to the Duffy family as they prepare for the arrival of the newest member of their family.
Governor Tony Evers will have to call a special election to fill the vacancy. It's unclear when that will happen.
Wisconsin's 7th Congressional district has been a Republican stronghold since Duffy first won the seat back in 2010. During the 2018 election, he defeated Democratic challenger and political newcomer Margaret Engerbretson 60% to 38.5%.