Sean Parnell, a former senatorial and congressional candidate in Pennsylvania, announced on Father’s Day that he has been “vindicated” by the family court system following a custody battle with his ex-wife. Laurie Snell, Parnell’s ex-wife, had previously been granted primary physical custody and sole legal custody of their three children in November 2021.
During the custody dispute, Parnell faced a smear campaign from the media and his political opponent, Jeff Bartos. Bartos, a former intern under President Bill Clinton and a Republican candidate, highlighted two temporary protection-from-abuse orders issued against Parnell in 2017 and 2018, which were later expunged.
CNN also published an article raising concerns about Parnell’s personal life, citing details about his ongoing divorce and custody cases shared by a rival Republican candidate. Following the court’s decision to grant his ex-wife custody, Parnell suspended his senatorial campaign and expressed his devastation.
In his Father’s Day update, Parnell shared that he now has a more favorable custody arrangement and has had all his rights fully restored, with shared legal and physical custody of his children. He expressed immense joy in spending time with his children and acknowledged the arduous journey he faced in the family court system.
Parnell encouraged other fathers navigating the family court system to remain strong and continue fighting for their children, despite the challenges and injustices they may encounter. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and hope in overcoming these difficulties.
