WASHINGTON, DC: South Carolina Congressman Jeff Duncan, a self-proclaimed advocate for "family values" and "traditional marriage," is facing a storm of controversy as his alleged extramarital affairs have come to light.
The scandal, which has raised questions about his political credibility and personal integrity, has sent shockwaves through both South Carolina and Washington, DC political circles.
The revelations came to the fore as Duncan's wife of 25 years, Melody Duncan, filed for divorce in a Laurens County courthouse on Friday, September 22, citing multiple alleged affairs as the reason for ending their marriage.
The court documents specifically point to one affair with a DC lobbyist named Liz Williams. Shockingly, it is believed that Duncan is now residing with Williams.
Crumbling image of 'family man'
Duncan's alleged infidelity has cast a shadow over his previously unblemished image as a staunch Republican who championed "family values" and traditional marriage.
On his congressional page, he proudly proclaimed himself as a "strong advocate for life and traditional family values."
However, the divorce filing claims that Duncan not only carried out an affair with Williams but also confessed to it to various individuals, including members of his staff and even his own sons.
"(Duncan) has admitted to (Melody) that he has an ongoing sexual relationship," with Willaims, the filing claims.
The timing of this scandal is significant, given the recent accusations against other high-profile Republicans.
Governor of North Dakota Kristi Noem, who was once considered a potential running mate for Donald Trump, faced allegations of cheating on her husband with Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski.
These events have left many questioning the integrity of politicians who espouse conservative family values while allegedly engaging in behavior that contradicts their public stances.
One particularly damning allegation in Melody Duncan's divorce filing is that her husband appeared to lead a double life.
On August 28, Duncan hosted the conservative fundraiser 'Faith and Freedom BBQ,' during which he presented himself as a devoted husband in a loving marriage.
Yet, according to the filing, just a day later, he "went directly to the home of his paramour, Liz Williams... where (Melody) is informed and believes he continues to reside."
Just four months before the divorce filing, Duncan celebrated the birth of his first grandchild.
He was photographed next to his wife, Melody, as he lovingly cradled the newborn. Duncan even took to the floor of the House of Representatives to deliver a heartfelt speech about this cherished addition to his family.
Jeff Duncan's credibility undermined in political circles
Furthermore, the divorce filing suggests that Duncan's extramarital affairs were widely known within political circles in South Carolina and Washington, DC too, undermining his credibility as a politician who claimed to uphold family values.
Melody Duncan accuses him of constructing a false narrative of their marriage being cold and loveless to rationalize the apparent hypocrisy of his public statements and private actions.
Apart from the affair with Liz Williams, the court documents also allege that Duncan engaged in at least one other extramarital relationship.
Melody Duncan's divorce proceedings seek alimony payments, exclusive possession of their marital home and their home in Montana, and for Duncan to be solely responsible for their debts, medical expenses, attorney fees, and maintenance of her and their children's health insurance, per the New York Post.
Jeff Duncan, who has represented South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District since 2011, is set for re-election next year.
During his time in the House, he has become an outspoken conservative, with his 'Faith and Freedom BBQ' emerging as a crucial fundraiser and platform for Republican leaders.
However, the ensuing scandal threatens to cast a long shadow over his political career and raises questions about what he will base his political persona on now.
