“We Didn’t Plan It This Way”: Rachel Campos-Duffy Reflects on Motherhood, Faith, and the Criticism That No Longer Gets to Her

To many viewers, Rachel Campos-Duffy is known for her appearances on Fox News and her passionate political takes. But away from the cameras, she holds a title that commands even more endurance — mother of nine.

Together with her husband, former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, Rachel has built a life many would consider extraordinary. But it hasn’t come without scrutiny. “When I publicly shared that I was pregnant with our ninth child, I was stunned at the backlash,” she remembers. “People said I was irresponsible, selfish — I even got called an environmental terrorist. The judgment was loud, but in a weird way, it said more about them than me.”

Unexpected Additions, Embraced With Gratitude

Despite assumptions that their family size was part of a grand plan, Campos-Duffy insists it wasn’t. “We didn’t sit down and say, ‘Let’s have nine.’ Each one came unexpectedly. We just accepted them as gifts.”

Her ninth pregnancy came as a particular surprise. “I thought I was past the age. But apparently, I wasn’t. It just reaffirmed for me that God’s in control.”

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Raising so many children is undoubtedly easier in a small Midwestern town than it would be in a big city. “Here in Wisconsin, it works. The pace is slower, the cost of living is lower, and the community is strong. In a city, it would be overwhelming.”

She credits the large household dynamic with fostering closeness among her children. “They’re each other’s best friends. They entertain one another, which means I don’t need to schedule playdates every other day. They also learn to navigate conflict and forgiveness early.”

Building Character in a Crowd

Rachel often hears from teachers that her kids are thoughtful and considerate. “That means more to me than grades. When you’re in a big family, you’re naturally taught to think about others. You wait your turn, you share, you help out.”

But she’s honest about the chaos too. “We’re perpetually behind schedule. Add the fact that I’m Latina and time runs on a different rhythm — it’s a miracle we ever leave the house!”

A Faith-Filled Foundation

Faith, she says, is the core of everything. “It shapes our decisions, our parenting, our marriage. We attend Mass together, we pray together. It’s not perfect, but it’s consistent.”

She often tells her kids: “I’m not raising you for Ivy League — I’m raising you for Heaven.” To her, success isn’t about trophies or straight A’s. “It’s about kindness, humility, and integrity.”

Debunking the Myths About Big Families

Critics argue that children in large families don’t get enough individual attention. Campos-Duffy disagrees. “You can overindulge a single child just as easily. In our house, kids get responsibility and affection — both are essential.”

Others suggest big families burden public systems. “That’s simply false,” she says. “Sean and I have always worked. Even when we could’ve accepted help early on, we didn’t. We’ve supported our family and raised kids who understand the value of contributing.”

Career and Family: A Delicate Dance

Campos-Duffy didn’t work full-time until much later. “I stayed home for 14 years. Then I started doing part-time advocacy work, writing, and eventually joined Fox News.”

She’s grateful her media job offers flexibility. “Most of my work is done from a studio near our home. I travel to New York a couple of times a month, but I still think of myself as a part-time professional.”

She also notes how men like her husband are reshaping the parenting norm. “Dads are stepping up more than ever. Sean is a hands-on father, and I think society needs to recognize that shift.”

Politics, Prayer, and Purpose at the Dinner Table

The Duffy household is one where no topic is off-limits. “We talk politics, faith, culture — all of it. Our kids are engaged and informed because they’ve lived it.”

Still, if there’s one message she wants her children to carry forever, it’s spiritual. “The prayer ‘Jesus, I trust in You’ is what grounds us. Life is unpredictable and messy. That little prayer keeps us centered.”