News Summary
Former Congressman Madison Cawthorn was arrested in Lee County for failing to appear in court regarding a traffic citation. Cawthorn had previously been cited for driving without a valid license earlier this year. Released on a $2,000 bond, his representatives claim a scheduling misunderstanding led to his missed appearance. This incident adds to Cawthorn’s ongoing issues with traffic violations and raises questions about his judgment as he plans a political comeback in Florida’s 19th District.
Florida – Former Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn was arrested on September 10, 2024, in Lee County for failing to appear in court regarding a traffic violation. A warrant had been issued by a Collier County judge after Cawthorn missed an arraignment related to a citation he received earlier this year.
Cawthorn was cited on August 19, 2024, for driving without a valid license in Naples, Florida. After his arrest, he was released shortly thereafter on a $2,000 bond. Representatives for Cawthorn explained that the missed court appearance was due to a scheduling misunderstanding, indicating that he did not intentionally neglect his legal obligations.
The recent arrest adds to Cawthorn’s history of traffic-related issues since moving to Florida in 2022. He has faced multiple citations, including three parking violations and more serious charges for failure to move over for emergency vehicles, driving without proof of insurance, and speeding.
Prior to his arrest, Cawthorn was involved in a notable incident on April 15, 2024, where he rear-ended a Florida trooper’s cruiser. This incident resulted in approximately $30,000 in property damage and left the trooper with minor injuries. Such events have contributed to Cawthorn’s growing reputation for being careless behind the wheel.
Cawthorn’s legal troubles extend beyond traffic violations. In April 2022, he was charged with carrying a loaded gun into an airport after being caught with an unloaded firearm at a different airport just nine months prior to this charge. These incidents have created a pattern of legal scrutiny surrounding his actions, raising questions about his judgment and conduct.
Cawthorn served one term in Congress, representing North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District from 2021 to 2023. However, he lost his re-election bid in the 2022 primary amid significant backlash over his controversial statements regarding other lawmakers’ behaviors. During his congressional tenure, he repeatedly made headlines with claims that drew criticism and debate.
Despite his recent challenges, Cawthorn is reportedly planning a political comeback and aims to run for the newly opened Florida’s 19th District seat. This opportunity has arisen following the current representative, Byron Donalds, announcing his intention to run for governor. Cawthorn’s aspiration for another political role suggests that he is not ready to end his career in public service.
In addition to his political endeavors, Cawthorn’s life story has been marked by personal challenges. He became partially paralyzed after a car accident at the age of 18, an experience that shaped his identity and propelled him into the political arena. His resilience and experiences have been part of his narrative as a public figure, influencing his positions and policies during his time in office.
Furthermore, court records indicate a consistent pattern of speeding offenses during his time in North Carolina, with multiple instances of exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 mph in 2021 and 2022. This history may play a role in shaping public perception of his ability to responsibly manage responsibilities, both as a private citizen and a potential public servant.
As Cawthorn navigates the legal challenges and attempts to re-establish his political career, the public will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and impact his aspirations for a return to public office.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
