'Counting On' Star Jim Bob Duggar Reveals He Is Running For Arkansas State Senate As Josh Duggar's Trial Looms
Giving it another go!
Reality star Jim Bob Duggar has announced he is officially running for a seat on the Arkansas State Senate.
Following years of success as a controversial television personality, Duggar is throwing his hat back in the political ring after a two decade political hiatus. The father-of-20 — including the couple's adopted son, Tyler — served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999-2002, six years before the Duggar family's TLC debut in their smash hit, 14 Kids And Counting.
“I am honored to announce my candidacy for Arkansas State Senate District 7," Duggar said in statement. "Northwest Arkansas is my lifelong home. It’s where my wife, Michelle, and I have raised our 20 children. It’s where we’ve grown our small businesses. It’s where we’ve built a life centered around our faith, family, and friends.”
The 56-year-old tv star went on to elaborate on the political and social climates that led him to reignite his past political career, attributing it to "unprecedented times."
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“Out-of-control bureaucrats have put politics over common-sense policy with government mandates that force people to choose between earning a paycheck and violating their personal rights and beliefs," the reality personality continued. "The foundational principles that have made our nation great are under threat like never before."
“Now more than ever, we need a bold voice that is pro-family, pro-business, pro-gun and pro-life,” he added. “It’s time for conservatives to demand courageous leadership that puts Arkansas families, jobs, and our constitutional liberties first. I look forward to being your voice in the Arkansas State Senate.”
This surprising political move comes only 6 months after Duggar's eldest son, Josh, was indicted for receiving and possessing child pornography.
As OK! previously reported, the embattled Duggar pleaded not guilty to the charges regarding the footage that Special Agent Gerald Faulkner admitted was "in the top five worst I have ever had to examine."
The court has since ordered the 33-year-old to provide “any intended alibi defense and that such notice include each specific place where the Defendant claims to have been at the time of the alleged offense," ahead of his upcoming trial.
