Sean and Rachel Campos-Duffy: From MTV to a Family of Eleven

Before becoming transportation secretary under President Trump, Sean Duffy was first and foremost a devoted husband and father of nine. His love story with Rachel Campos began unexpectedly on MTV in the late 1990s. Rachel starred on The Real World: San Francisco, Sean on The Real World: Boston, and their paths crossed during Road Rules: All Stars in 1998. Though Rachel was initially guarded, Sean’s persistence paid off, and after five months, they shared a breakfast where she told him, “I’m going to marry you.” They wed in 1999.

Today, the Duffys have nine children—each a blessing they never planned but cherish deeply. Their youngest, Valentina, was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect, a reality that led Sean to leave Congress in 2019 to focus on family. Faith is central to their life: both are devout Catholics who credit their marriage and shared beliefs for their strong family foundation.

From reality TV beginnings to political and media careers, Sean and Rachel Campos-Duffy embody commitment, love, and faith, proving that even the most unexpected love stories can build a lifetime of joy.