Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wis., said Monday he was resigning next month to focus on his family after learning a ninth child — a daughter due in October — will be born with a heart condition.
Duffy, 47, first elected in 2010, said on Facebook he would resign Sept. 23 because "the time has come for me to focus more on the reason we fight these battles — family."
He said those battles included "protecting freedom of speech and religious liberty, taking care of our veterans, defending the unborn, and saving American jobs and American capitalism."
Duffy and his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a former Fox News host, have eight children.
"Raising a family is hard work," the congressman said. "It's especially true for one as large and busy as mine. Being away from home in Washington four days a week is challenging."
Duffy said he and his wife learned recently "our baby, due in late October, will need even more love, time, and attention due to complications, including a heart condition.
"With much prayer, I have decided that this is 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.
"It is not an easy decision — because I truly love being your Congressman — but it is the right decision for my family, which is my first love and responsibility."
A former Ashland County district attorney in northern Wisconsin, Duffy is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and serves on two congressional subcommittees.