Congresswoman Discloses Separation in Letter to West Michigan Constituents

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, the second-term Democratic congresswoman representing Michigan's 3rd congressional district, announced Friday that she has separated from her husband of 20 years.

In a lengthy letter released Friday to her west Michigan constituents, Scholten said her husband Jesse Holcomb "suddenly left our family home and then filed for divorce" earlier this year. The court filing occurred on Jan. 26 in Kent County Circuit Court, according to Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc.

A Heartbreaking Personal Matter

"This has been a heartbreaking time for our family," Scholten said in her announcement. "Earlier this year, our family went through a difficult time. My husband suddenly left our family home and then filed for divorce."

The revelation comes at a time when divorce rates remain high among high-profile political figures. Scholten is the most recent member of Michigan's congressional delegation to go through a divorce.

Previous divorces among Michigan representatives include:

• 2022: Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and husband Rob Gulley announced their divorce after about a year of marriage
• 2023: Then-U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, announced she and her husband, Dave Moore, were getting divorced

Maintaining Focus on Constituent Service

Despite this personal hardship, Scholten emphasized her continued dedication to her constituents. She credited friends, family, and "my unshakable, foundational faith in God" for helping her through the last couple of months.

"I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received from the community already. I ask for continued respect for my family's privacy as I work hard to love and raise my boys and continue to serve you in Congress," Scholten wrote.

Legislative Work Continues

Scholten noted that she has continued to serve her district throughout this challenging period:

"Despite this personal hardship, I have continued to show up for you in every way, too," she said. "I've passed legislation, brought dollars back to the district, and served my constituents — and I will continue doing just that."

Upcoming Election

Scholten is currently running for reelection in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, which the Cook Political Report rates as a "solid" Democratic seat.

As of this writing, two Republican candidates have announced they will be challenging her:

• Longtime meteorologist Terri DeBoer
• Grand Rapids trial attorney J. Allen Fiorletta

An attorney for Jesse Holcomb could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

Community Support

Scholten's announcement underscores the challenges that public figures can face in balancing their professional and private lives. Her disclosure also comes at a time when divorce rates remain high, especially among high-profile political figures.

The personal announcement by Rep. Scholten highlights the difficulties that public figures can face in maintaining their private lives, even as they serve in high-profile elected offices.