Proof That Jim Bob Duggar's Future In Politics Isn't Looking Bright

The Duggar family has had a lot to deal with over the past year. Oldest son Josh was found guilty of two charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, according to People. In addition, eldest daughter Jana also found herself in legal trouble after she received a citation for endangering the welfare of a minor in September 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the charge, per InTouch. She was released on bail and has a court date set for January 2022.

So the announcement from Jim Bob Duggar that he was running for a seat in the Arkansas State Senate in District 7, which includes the town in which he and wife Michelle live, came as a surprise to many. "I'm running for State Senate because these are unprecedented times in our nation," he said in a statement on Facebook. "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 foundational principles that have made our nation great are under threat like never before."

Jim Bob is no stranger to politics: He previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999-2002 (via Deadline). But while some fans seemed happy to hear about Jim Bob's candidacy, one family member — namely Derick Dillard, Jill Duggar's husband — responded to the news with a skeptical chin-scratching emoji, per E! Online.

Jim Bob Duggar has lost his bid for a seat in the Arkansas State Senate, receiving only 456 votes in the Republican primary (per Daily Mail). "I want to thank those of you who voted for me, volunteered, contributed, and supported me in my race for Arkansas State Senate District 7," Jim Bob said in a statement after his loss. "I am so honored to have been surrounded by some really great people in this campaign. It has been a difficult season for our family, so I am particularly grateful to those of you who have offered your prayers and encouragement. I love our country, our state, and our Northwest Arkansas community. I will always do all I can to help advance conservative candidates and causes."

Now that his political hopes have been dashed, Jim Bob will most likely shift his focus to his son Josh, who faces up to 20 years of in prison and $250,000 in fines on each of the two counts of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, according to People. Jim Bob and his wife, Michelle, have vowed to stand by Josh's wife, Anna, and their children. "As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life's circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers," Jim Bob and Michelle said in statement (per People).

If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.