Grand Rapids Congresswoman Shares Heartbreaking Personal Update

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten announced Friday that she has separated from her husband of 20 years after her spouse suddenly left their family home and filed for divorce earlier this year.

The Grand Rapids Democrat, who is serving her second term in Congress, disclosed the separation in a lengthy letter released to her west Michigan constituents on Friday.

"I want to share something personal," Scholten wrote. "Earlier this year, our family went through a heartbreaking change when my husband of 20 years suddenly left our family home and then filed for divorce."

Court records indicate that Jesse Holcomb filed for divorce on Jan. 26 in Kent County Circuit Court. Scholten said her husband "abruptly walked out on her family and demanded a divorce," according to reports.

Scholten, 44, credited family, friends, and her faith for helping her raise her two sons "with strength, love, and stability" during this difficult time.

"We have been overcoming every day," she wrote in her statement.

Holcomb, a journalism professor at Calvin University, did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Scholten's announcement.

Continued Commitment to Public Service

Despite the personal hardship, Scholten made clear she has no plans to step away from public life while navigating her divorce.

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

Scholten, who is running for reelection in the 3rd Congressional District, stressed that her situation "deepens" her commitment to advocacy for families.

"I honor your work, and I am fighting for you," she wrote, referring to other parents who have experienced divorce. "It goes without saying that this is a deeply personal matter. But you put me in a position of trust, and I want to be up front with you about a big change in my life."

A Growing Trend in Michigan Politics

Scholten joins a growing number of Michigan Democrats who have gone through divorce in recent years. This includes:

• Rep. Haley Stevens, who separated from her husband in 2022 after a year of marriage
• Elissa Slotkin, who divorced her husband Dave Moore in 2023, the year before being elected to the U.S. Senate

Scholten became the first Democrat in nearly 50 years to represent the city of Grand Rapids in Congress when she took office in 2023, making her a prominent figure in Democratic Party politics.

She is currently facing competition from two Republican challengers for the 3rd Congressional District seat: longtime meteorologist Terri DeBoer and Grand Rapids trial attorney J. Allen Fiorletta.

The Cook Political Report rates the 3rd District as a "solid" Democratic seat.

Privacy Request

Scholten asked her constituents for continued respect for her family's privacy as she works to love and raise her boys while continuing her congressional duties.

"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."

The official biography on Scholten's congressional page has been updated to only mention her raising her two sons and taking care of the family dog.

This article is based on reports from The Detroit News, Daily Mail Online, and AOL.