Madison Cawthorn, former Republican Congressman from North Carolina, has formally announced his candidacy for Florida’s 19th congressional district. Cawthorn’s decision comes in the wake of Representative Byron Donalds’s upcoming departure from the seat to run for governor. This announcement was made during a phone call with El-Balad.
Reasons for Cawthorn’s Return
During the conversation, Cawthorn cited the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a pivotal influence for his return to politics. He expressed a desire to ensure robust representation for Florida residents in Washington, D.C.
- Cawthorn emphasized the need for effective representation: “I want to ensure [the people of Florida] have amazing representation.”
- His previous experiences with hurricane relief efforts in the district further motivated his decision.
Cawthorn’s Political Background
Cawthorn made history as the youngest elected House member since 1964, serving from 2021 to 2023. However, he lost his bid for reelection to Chuck Edwards during the 2022 Republican primary in North Carolina’s 11th district.
Controversies and Challenges
Throughout his term, Cawthorn faced significant scrutiny. Notable controversies included:
- Pleading guilty to possessing a dangerous weapon at Charlotte’s airport in April 2022.
- A scandal involving a video that surfaced in May 2022, which he characterized as “old” and a misunderstanding with a friend.
- Accusations of violating the STOCK Act regarding cryptocurrency ownership disclosure.
- Claims of witnessing inappropriate behavior among congressional colleagues, which he later deemed exaggerated.
Cawthorn contends that he was unfairly pushed out of Washington due to his outspoken nature. He believes that his insights into the political climate remain valid.
Current Legal Issues
Recently, Cawthorn encountered legal troubles in Florida, stemming from a missed court appearance related to a traffic citation. He described the incident as a “mixup” and is optimistic about the outcome.
Looking Ahead
As he embarks on this new campaign, Cawthorn aims to connect with conservative voters. He noted, “If you want someone to fight for conservative values, I’m your guy.”
The primary election for Florida’s 19th congressional district is scheduled for August 18, 2026. At present, Cawthorn will compete against five other Republican candidates already in the race.
