Another day, another reality star running for office. This time it’s Jim Bob Duggar, whose family was the subject of TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” before their empire imploded when their eldest son, Josh, first admitted to molesting his younger sisters in their sleep before later being arrested on federal charges related to the possession of child pornography, which he’s currently fighting in court.
Related: Josh Duggar was just dealt a potential death blow in his child porn case
Prior to becoming a TLC star, Jim Bob served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002, during which he opposed non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, voted against recognizing civil unions between same-sex couples, and supported legislation to define marriage as being between “one man and one woman.” In 2002, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for United States Senate, and in 2006 he ran an unsuccessful campaign for Arkansas State Senate.
Related: Wow, Josh Duggar’s latest defense in child porn case is something else
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Now that his reality TV career is officially dead thanks to Josh, Jim Bob is hoping to put his family’s scandal behind him and revamp his political career with yet another try for Arkansas State Senate, representing District 7. He made the big announcement on on the Duggar family’s official Facebook page, saying he’s “excited” to run for office and promising to fight for people’s “personal rights and beliefs.”
“Now more than ever, we need a bold voice that is pro-family, pro-business, pro-gun and pro-life,” Jim Bob added. “It’s time for conservatives to demand courageous leadership that puts Arkansas families, jobs, and our constitutional liberties first.”
The announcement was not well received on Facebook, with commenters writing things like “Who thought this would be a good idea?” and “Just because you gave birth to an entire voting district doesn’t mean you can win.”
Then there are the tweets…
Because of Jim Bob Duggar actions and inactions, Josh Duggar victimized an unknown amount of children. This man should be drummed out of society, not running for fucking public office.
— Danforth (@cpdanforth) October 29, 2021
Jim Bob Duggar running for his state senate while his son is on trial for NUMEROUS child exploitation charges is a type of audacity I have never seen before.
— vanessa (@assenavmarie) October 29, 2021
Oh no. Not Jim Bob Duggar running for Arkansas state Senate, preaching family values when his son is a pedophile. No no no.
— jess. (@jjpopsicle) November 1, 2021
If you live in Arkansas and vote for Jim Bob Duggar, please reconsider your life choices ??
— Christine J (@ChristineJacq) October 30, 2021
I used to think my upbringing was fringe. Yet here we are in a world where Jim Bob Duggar is running for senate, Voddie Baucham’s book is a bestseller on Amazon, and Doug Wilson still has followers and no accountability.
So we still tell our stories because they matter.
— Cait West (@caitwestwrites) November 3, 2021
The Duggars, the Kardashians of Christ—Only With Child Molestation!https://t.co/tdxonGtFHq
— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) October 30, 2021
Jim Bob Duggar has announced his candidacy for Arkansas Senate. He is running on a “pro family” campaign. How pro family was it when you tried to cover up that your son Josh Duggar molested his sister?
— Dustin Ginsberg (@DustinGinsberg) October 29, 2021
Arkansas peeps! Jim Bob Duggar’s run for state senate is currently UNOPPOSED. He needs an opponent! We cannot let this pedophile-enabler into state government.
— Caroline (@LadyofShalott06) November 1, 2021
I KNOW I did not just read an article that the devil himself, Jim Bob Duggar, is running for a seat in the state senate. I want out of this simulation.
— nitties (@notrllynits) November 1, 2021
And now dad Jim Bob Duggar is running for senate because he is shameless. I’ve never seen a family that needed to go away more.
— Gin (@Zazochi) October 30, 2021
Graham Gremore is the Features Editor and a Staff Writer at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
cuteguy
He may win. Look what happened in Virginia governor race. The Dems need to get their act together, and quick.
cliche guevara
If you read the article you will see that he is running unopposed. So, if he doesn’t win that will be astounding.
GrizzleyMichael
When they had to build their new home, he used ever child and put them to work the bastard. They children were born 18 months apart, they didn’t stop having children when number 20 died
Mack
Maybe he’s running so he can pass a law giving his son a “free pass”. Or better yet, if his son in convicted he’ll say it was political since he a state senator.
cliche guevara
His son has been charged with federal crimes. He is running to be state senator. How is he going to pass federal laws as a state senator?
richybruce
Typical Republican.
Cozmo2
Josh Duggar is a PEDOPHILE.
barryaksarben
but he is white and believes in the guy in the clouds that the fake christians believe in so he should have been left alone. Why are they making him feel uncomfortable. This whole family is sick and needs mental health stat but they wont get it
Prax07
Republicans and conservatives will vote for all types of vile human garbage, so no surprise if Duggar has a chance with those scummy voters. Christians my ass.
barryaksarben
republicans are slack jawed rube who think they are viewing the sideshow when they are in fact the show
Max
there really isn’t a minimum standard for qualifying to be in office, is there? we have zero safeguards against those that have no mental fitness or have other offenses that would not count as good moral standing.
Openminded
The standard is the “popular vote” mandated by our constitution. You would think the voting population would be smart enough to weed out the undesirable candidates, but history shows we haven’t been too good at that. I believe when the poor give up the fight to get ahead they go on disability for financial support, the rich run for office.
TomG
Duggar should KNOW by now, that certain things people NEVER forget. Other things they have minds like a sieve and forget it all.
Kangol2
He might be a pedophile enabler but does anyone think that’ll stop people in Arkansas from voting for him if he mentions Jesus and family values and all the other GOP buzzwords over and over?
humble charlie
I thought that in Arkansas pedophilia was a life-choice with a strong tradition. The pedophiles will rise again! States Rights!