'19 Kids And Counting' Duggar Family Throws Support Behind Huckabee For 2016 Presidential Race

Mike Huckabee is the latest Republican to announce that he's running for president in 2016 and he has the support of at least 21 people – even if they aren’t all old enough to vote. The Duggar family, stars of the TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting,” have given their support to the former Arkansas governor.

In a statement on Huckabee’s campaign website, Michelle Duggar, the matriarch of the crowded TV family, stood behind Huckabee’s religious principles.

“Governor Huckabee is a man of faith who is very wise, and will help get our nation back on track,” said Michelle Duggar.

Jim Bob Duggar, Michelle’s husband and father of their 19 children, echoed his wife’s support.

“America needs Governor Huckabee for president! Governor Huckabee has the communication skills of Ronald Reagan, and a common sense business approach to government,” said Jim Bob Duggar.

The Duggars' support does not comes as a surprise. The family are devout Independent Baptists who reside in Huckabee’s home state of Arkansas. According to MSNBC, the Duggars supported Huckabee during his 2008 presidential bid and had encouraged him to run again in 2012, before shifting their support to Rick Santorum when Huckabee decided not to run.

Huckabee announced his candidacy Tuesday during an event in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas – the birthplace of former Democratic President Bill Clinton.

“Power and money and political influence have left a lot of Americans lagging behind,” said Huckabee in his announcement speech, adding, “We’ve lost our way morally,” in reference to reproductive rights and same-sex marriage.

On those issues especially, Huckabee has the Duggars’ support – the couple were regulars at pro-life rallies during the 2012 campaign season. The former Fox News host can hope the many fans of the family’s show will follow the Duggars' lead, politically.

Will the Duggars’ support help Huckabee? Tweet your thoughts to @Ja9GarofaloTV.