"That's why the pelican is the state bird, dear. It brings babies."

GOP Rep. Bill Cassidy, who is challenging Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) in one of this year’s most competitive Senate races, revealed late Thursday that his 17-year-old daughter became pregnant out of wedlock and is due later this summer. 

Cassidy’s campaign revealed the news with a one-paragraph statement to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, published late Thursday afternoon as the July Fourth holiday weekend began. 

“Earlier this year, Laura and I learned we will become grandparents this summer,” Cassidy, 56, said in the statement. “Our children have been the greatest blessing of our lives and we welcome our grandchild as a joyous addition to our family. Our daughter now faces a more challenging future than her peers. She has our unconditional love and support.” 

His daughter is a rising senior at a high school in Baton Rouge. 

A campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to follow-up questions, such as whether the candidate’s daughter plans to marry the baby’s father. 

Cassidy and his wife are both medical doctors. They have three children and live in Baton Rouge.