Jim Bob Duggar loses Arkansas Senate race after Josh Duggar conviction
Category: News & Politics
Via: sandy-2021492 • 3 years ago • 9 commentsBy: Elise Brisco (USA TODAY)
Elise BriscoUSA TODAY View Comments
Jim Bob Duggar, the reality TV father on TLC's "19 Kids and Counting," is out of the running to hold a seat in the Arkansas state Senate after losing in Tuesday's special primary election, days after his son was convicted of possessing child pornography.
According to election results, Duggar, 56, received 456 votes from constituents, putting him third in the race for the Republican nomination. Former city councilor Colby Fulfer won, garnering more than 1,000 votes.
Duggar initially announced his candidacy on Oct. 29 from the Duggar family's official Facebook page, saying he was "honored" and looking forward to "being a voice in the Arkansas State senate."
In his campaign announcement, Duggar revealed his history in Arkansas politics after serving as a representative for one term in the Arkansas House of Representatives between 1999 and 2002.
"Now more than ever, we need a bold voice that is pro-family, pro-business, pro-gun and pro-life. It's time for conservatives to demand courageous leadership that puts Arkansas families, jobs, and our constitutional liberties first," he wrote in his official announcement.
Duggar ran his campaign in hopes of becoming a lawmaker while his eldest son Josh Duggar was being accused of breaking the law in a federal child pornography trial.
On Thursday, Josh Duggar was found guilty of two counts of downloading and possessing child pornography and faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
Jim Bob Duggar along with his wife Michelle Duggar issued a statement on their son's conviction the same day calling the situation "very grievous."
"Today, God's grace, through the love and prayers of so many, has sustained us," the statement read. "In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support. As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children."
When his son was indicted in July, shortly before TLC canceled the family's "Counting On" spinoff, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar indirectly acknowledged their son's legal trouble reflecting on sharing their story, which included "some of the most difficult and painful moments our family has ever faced."
"We are full of deep gratitude for the love shown to us and the prayers of so many who have sustained us both now and through the years," the July statement said.
TLC canceled "19 Kids and Counting" in 2015 following a sexual abuse scandal involving Josh, who later admitted to having a porn addiction and cheating on his wife.
Contributing: Associated Press
View Comments
Good.
No, very good!
No, awesomely fantastic.
In a way I'm surprised it caused him to lose the race. If anything I thought it might have helped him win there.(After all, its Arkansas).
TLC canceled "19 Kids and Counting" in 2015 following a sexual abuse scandal involving Josh, who later admitted to having a porn addiction and cheating on his wife.
Ya--hoo!
(And after all, he wasn't one of those "Liberal Elites" that Donald Trump constantly warns us against against!)
LMAO, perfect.
Excellent news.
Must be very rural. 400 votes versus 1k.
This was just a primary, so probably low turnout, and Republicans only.
Even the Republicans don't want him. Karma.