Rachel Campos-Duffy Opens Up About Life as a Mom of Nine: Why Faith Guides Her, and Haters No Longer Rattle Her

Long before she stepped into the spotlight as a political commentator, Rachel Campos-Duffy had already taken on one of life’s most demanding and rewarding roles — being a mother to a very large family. As the mother of nine children, she’s used to turning heads. But she never expected her personal decisions to become public discourse.

“When I shared the news of my ninth pregnancy, I didn’t imagine it would wind up on gossip sites or political pages,” she says. “But there it was — strangers calling me reckless, selfish, even labeling me an ‘environmental terrorist.’ It was outrageous, but honestly, very revealing about today’s culture.”

“It Was Never the Plan — They’re Just Blessings”

Campos-Duffy insists there was never a strategy behind having nine children. “We didn’t set out to have a big family. Each child was a surprise — a gift. The last one truly shocked me. I thought my baby years were behind me, but clearly, God had a different plan.”

Living in rural Wisconsin, she says, makes parenting a large family more feasible. “If we were in an urban setting, like New York City, it would be a nightmare. But out here, life is simpler, and there’s space — emotionally and physically — for a big family.”

What she treasures most is the bond between her children. “They don’t need constant playdates or scheduled activities. They have each other. Sure, there’s bickering, but there’s also loyalty, love, and a deep sense of camaraderie.”

Lessons in Humility and Teamwork

Rachel beams when teachers comment on how empathetic her children are. “They notice when others need help, they pitch in without being asked. That’s what you learn growing up in a big family — that the world doesn’t revolve around you.”

Still, she’s the first to admit it’s not all smooth sailing. “We are late to everything,” she says with a laugh. “Being Latina doesn’t help either — add nine kids, and you’re lucky to make it anywhere on time!”

Faith: The Family’s Cornerstone

Faith holds the Duffy household together. “Our family’s strength is rooted in our marriage, and that marriage is anchored in faith. We pray together, we attend Mass. It’s not perfect, but it gives us structure and meaning.”

She often reminds her kids of a truth she lives by: “My goal isn’t to get you into Harvard — it’s to help you get into Heaven.” That shapes how she parents. “I’m not trying to raise overachievers. I want to raise good, kind humans.”

Recognizing Each Child’s Uniqueness

When people suggest that children in large families get lost in the shuffle, Rachel pushes back. “It’s not about quantity. It’s about how you parent. Overindulgence can happen with one child too. We try to strike a balance — giving love, giving responsibility.”

She’s also had to respond to accusations that her family leans on public assistance. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. Sean and I have always supported ourselves. We never took benefits even when we were eligible. We’re taxpayers and proud of it.”

Blending Work and Family — On Her Own Terms

Campos-Duffy didn’t return to the workforce until her youngest children were older. “I spent 14 years at home full-time. Then I began doing writing and part-time work with the Libre Initiative, which led to Fox News. Now, I mostly work from a studio near home and travel occasionally.”

She also appreciates how parenting norms have evolved. “Fathers today are more engaged. Sean is all in — and that makes a huge difference. Dads like him deserve more recognition.”

A Household That Talks Politics — and Prayer

With two politically active parents, the Duffy kids have had a front-row seat to American politics. “They’ve met presidents, been to rallies, even sat on the floor of Congress. At dinner, we talk about everything — politics, religion, life.”

But amid the debates and noise, Rachel wants her kids to always remember a simple prayer: “Jesus, I trust in You.” It’s become the spiritual glue of their home. “In a world that’s constantly changing, that prayer brings us back to what matters most.”