Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) filed for divorce from his wife of 12 years, Debra Miller, earlier this month. There are rumors that he is romantically involved with fellow House GOP colleague Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas). A mutual restraining order was filed, as is standard in divorce cases in Gwinnett County, where McCormick filed for divorce. McCormick, 55, and Van Duyne, 53, have been rumored to be in a relationship since at least January, with some sources suggesting they have been “canoodling” for over a year.
The Daily Mail first reported McCormick’s breakup and alleged relationship with Van Duyne. They were reportedly seen holding hands under the table during a Republican Study Committee lunch. A GOP member confirmed this account and also mentioned witnessing McCormick “grab the small of her back” on the House floor. Two individuals separately told the Daily Mail that they have seen McCormick and Van Duyne holding hands. Van Duyne divorced her ex-husband in 2012, according to the Dallas Morning News. However, neither McCormick nor Van Duyne’s office have officially commented on their relationship.
A spokesperson for McCormick confirmed that he and his wife are separated but did not disclose how long this has been the case. The spokesperson stated that McCormick prefers to keep his personal life out of the media spotlight and referred to the rumors surrounding him and Van Duyne as “old news.” McCormick’s wife, Debra Miller, suggested that people ask her husband about the reason for the divorce and any allegations of infidelity. The couple shares seven children together. McCormick’s colleague, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, has accused him of being “physically aggressive” towards her in the past after both lawmakers introduced competing resolutions in the House.
In response to Greene’s allegations, McCormick denied any aggressive behavior towards her and stated that he was merely trying to encourage her after she opposed his censure resolution and the House advanced his. He claimed to have apologized immediately to Greene following the incident. With divorce proceedings ongoing and rumors of a potential romantic involvement between McCormick and Van Duyne circulating, the situation involving these two GOP representatives continues to attract attention. McCormick’s decision to keep his personal life private and out of the media spotlight adds an air of mystery to the unfolding scenario. Van Duyne’s silence on the matter further fuels speculation about the nature of their relationship.
