Sean Duffy isn’t just a well-known politician. He’s also a former reality TV star who made a name for himself long before stepping into the political spotlight. As of 2025, Duffy serves as the 20th U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump.
But beyond his political career, Duffy’s greatest role is that of a husband and father. He and his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, have built a life together that’s just as captivating as their careers. A former TV personality herself, Rachel put her media ambitions on hold to focus on their growing family—a decision that came with its share of sacrifices.
With nine children, their journey through parenthood has been anything but smooth. From miscarriages to unexpected hurdles, Rachel and Sean have faced several challenges. Yet, through it all, they’ve remained a united front, proving that even in the fast-paced world of politics and television, family comes first.
So, how have they managed to balance marriage, careers, and raising a large family? Let’s take a closer look at Sean and Rachel’s enduring love story and their life as parents to nine kids.
Also Read: What is Sean Duffy’s Net Worth and Salary?
They Have Been Married Since 1999
Long before politics, Sean had his brush with reality TV fame. In 1997, the reality star starred in Real World: Boston, one of MTV’s most talked-about seasons. But the real twist in his story came a year later when Sean crossed paths with his future wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy on Road Rules: All Stars, a 1998 spinoff.
Rachel, who had her own reality TV moment on Real World: San Francisco in 1994, quickly became more than just another cast member in Sean’s world. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their love story took off behind the scenes. By April 1999, the two tied the knot in a low-key ceremony.
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Though their romance started in front of cameras, their marriage wasn’t just another reality TV moment—it was the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Their journey even made its way onto The Real World’s The Wedding Video, which, despite being filmed in 1999, didn’t air until 2003.
As Sean worked his way through law school and later became an elected district attorney in northern Wisconsin, Rachel stood by his side, transitioning from MTV fame to family life.
Sean and His Wife Rachel Have Nine Kids
If there’s one thing Sean and Rachel Duffy have built beyond their careers, it’s a big, bustling family. With nine children—six daughters and three sons—their household is anything but quiet.
At the top of the family tree is Evita Pilar, their eldest, born in 1999. A graduate of the University of Chicago, Pilar is the co-founder of Chicago Thinker, a student-run publication.
Following her is Xavier Jack, the firstborn son, who arrived in 2001. He pursued a degree in Digital Media Communications at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Other kids include Patrick, Margarita, Maria Victoria, Lucia-Belen, John-Paul, and Paloma.
And the youngest of the Duffy clan, Valentina Stella Maris, was born on October 1, 2019. But her arrival came with challenges. Valentina was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect, which required immediate medical attention. The news prompted Sean to resign from Congress in September 2019 to be there for his wife and their newborn daughter.
“It was 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,” the politician explained at the time.
The Family Has Moved Several Times Over the Years
For more than a decade, Sean and Rachel Duffy called Ashland, Wisconsin, home. It was where they built their early life together while Sean served as the District Attorney of Ashland County. But in 2011, as his political career took him to Washington, D.C., they made the decision to relocate to Weston, Wisconsin. It helped Sean to be closer to Central Wisconsin Airport for his weekly commute to the nation’s capital.
As their family grew and life took new turns, another move was on the horizon. In August 2021, the Duffy family packed up once again, this time settling in Mendham Township, New Jersey, where the family of eleven currently resides.
