Rachel Campos-Duffy on Raising Nine Kids, Keeping the Faith, and Why Critics Don’t Bother Her Anymore
Behind the television cameras and political commentary, Rachel Campos-Duffy leads an even more demanding role — that of a mother to nine children.
With her husband, former Congressman Sean Duffy, by her side, Campos-Duffy has embraced a life that some admire, many question, and others openly criticize.
“When I announced I was pregnant with my ninth child, I didn’t expect it to end up on tabloid sites and political blogs,” she recalls. “That’s where I saw the most vitriol. People were calling me everything from irresponsible to an environmental terrorist. It was bizarre but telling.”
“We Didn’t Plan for Nine — They Were Gifts”
Despite the assumptions people make, Campos-Duffy never set out with a goal of having a large family. “We didn’t plan all of them. Each one just came, and we took them as blessings. This last one was actually a surprise — I thought I was getting too old. But apparently, God had other plans.”
She’s the first to admit that raising nine kids isn’t for everyone, especially not in every setting. “It’s much easier to raise a big family in rural Wisconsin than in a place like New York City. But there’s something special about what happens when you have a big household. The friendships my kids form with each other are something I cherish deeply.”
That sibling dynamic isn’t just emotional — it’s practical. “I don’t need to set up constant playdates. They’ve got each other, and they play well together. And while yes, they fight like any siblings do, there’s also a strong bond and a sense of teamwork.”
The Power of Responsibility and Humility
Campos-Duffy is proud when teachers comment on her children’s behavior — not because they’re perfect, but because they reflect the environment they come from.
“I’ve been told that my kids are thoughtful and aware of others’ needs. That’s the gift of growing up in a big family. You realize the world doesn’t revolve around you.”
Of course, it’s not all seamless. “We’re late for everything,” she laughs. “And being Latina doesn’t help the timing either. Add nine kids, and you’ve got chaos getting out the door.”
Faith at the Center of It All
At the heart of the Duffy household is faith. It shapes their marriage, parenting, and daily life. “Our family is only as strong as our marriage, and faith gives it that foundation. We pray together, attend Mass, and even though it’s not always perfect, it provides direction and purpose.”
One of Rachel’s favorite mottos as a parent is simple: “My job isn’t to get you into Harvard. It’s to get you into Heaven.” That philosophy shapes her priorities.
“I’d rather raise kind, decent people than over-scheduled, high-achieving ones. The world pressures us to focus on grades, activities, and appearances. But kindness, compassion, and faith — that’s what really matters.”
Seeing Each Child as an Individual
When critics argue that large families leave children starved for attention, Campos-Duffy doesn’t deny it’s a concern. But she also offers a counterpoint. “You can also spoil a child by giving them too much attention and not enough responsibility. There’s no perfect formula.”
Another criticism she hears is about being a supposed burden on public services. Her response is blunt: “Look at our tax bill. Sean and I have always worked.
When we first got married, we could’ve qualified for benefits — but we didn’t take them. We support our family and try to raise kids who will contribute more to society than they take.”
Work-Life Balance: It’s a Myth — But We Try
Although she now has a national media career, Campos-Duffy spent 14 years as a stay-at-home mom before re-entering the workforce.
“I started writing and working part-time for the Libre Initiative. Eventually, I joined Fox News, and I’m lucky — I can do most of my work from a studio near our home. I travel to New York twice a month and do speeches, but I still consider myself part-time.”
She’s also noticed a cultural shift in fatherhood. “Today’s dads are more involved, more present. That’s real progress. Men like my husband want to be part of their kids’ lives, and I don’t think we give them enough credit.”
Politics at the Dinner Table — And in Their Lives
With two parents immersed in politics, it’s no surprise that the Duffy children are also engaged. “They’ve met presidents, attended rallies, sat on the House floor.
They understand government in a way I never did at their age. Our dinner conversations often break all the rules — we talk about faith, politics, and everything in between.”
One Message She Hopes Her Kids Remember
If there’s one phrase she hopes her children carry for life, it’s a short but powerful one: “Jesus, I trust in You.” It’s become a family prayer — brief, but deeply meaningful. “In this noisy, complicated world, that little prayer has anchored us more than anything else.”
