Rick Santorum Running for President: Are the Duggars Supporting His Campaign?

19 Kids & Counting stars backed the politician during the 2012 primaries

By Alyssa Toomey May 27, 2015 10:45 PMTags
Rick Santorum, Duggarswww.DuggarFamily.com

It's official, folks, America has another presidential hopeful joining the 2016 race: enter Rick Santorum

"Today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States!" the former Republican senator from Pennsylvania, who lost the GOP nomination to Mitt Romney in 2012, tweeted on Wednesday. "Join me at https://www.ricksantorum.com and let's take back America!" 

The conservative politician, who, on his campaign website says he is "committed to restoring the American dream for hardworking Americans," was the runner-up during the Republican primary race four years ago. At the time, before the Josh Duggar molestation allegations became public knowledge, the Duggar family and stars of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting were some of Santorum's biggest and most prominent supporters. 

So, where do they currently stand? 

PHOTOS: Check out the Duggars on Instagram

While the Duggars have yet to comment on Santorum's formal announcement, the family stood by Santorum during the 2012 primaries and even created an election video dubbed "19 Reasons & Counting to Vote for Rick Santorum." 

"[Santorum] is somebody that goes and really just votes from his heart and votes on his convictions, votes on things based on the Constitution of the United States and the Bible," family patriarch Jim Bob said in 2012. "And that's the kind of man we want to support." 

Likewise, the Republican politician has shared his staunch support for the Duggars in the past, including a 2014 Facebook post urging supporters to stand with the famous family against "ridiculous attacks from the left." 

READ: Josh Duggar police report: Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios was tipped off about molestation accusations, family interview never happened

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

"Karen and I have gotten to know the Duggar family, particularly Michelle and Jim Bob, personally over the last few years and have been inspired by their amazing family," Santorum wrote at the time. "They have chosen to raise their children in a faith-filled home, encouraging kindness and generosity, to work hard and to have a fun-loving spirit. They are a wonderful family, and Karen and I support them."

Fast-forward just five months later, after the Josh Duggar molestation allegations came to light (Jim Bob and Michelle's eldest son has since responded to the accusations, admitting he "acted inexcusably" 12 years ago as a young teenager), which have caused many to question whether Santorum has shifted in his opinions surrounding the controversial family. 

While Santorum has yet to comment on the Duggars, the family has already thrown their support behind presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, who, earlier this month, announced his candidacy. 

READ: Josh Duggar and family address accusations that he molested underage girls as a teen

"Governor Huckabee is a man of faith who is very wise, and will help get our country back on track," reads a statement by Michelle on Huckabee's campaign website. 

"America needs Governor Huckabee for president! Governor Huckabee has the communication skills of Ronald Reagan, and a common sense business approach to government" adds Jim Bob

Huckabee also defended Josh Duggar in a lengthy statement following the molestation allegations, in which he said "good people make mistakes."

E! News has reached out to the Duggars for comment with regards to Santorum's presidential run. Earlier this month, Josh Duggar wished the politician a happy birthday by posting a chummy photo with his pal on Twitter

PHOTOS: Reality TV's biggest scandals