News Summary
Madison Cawthorn, former U.S. Representative, has declared his candidacy for the 19th Congressional District in Florida after losing in the 2022 Republican primary. Cawthorn aligns with conservative policies closely associated with Donald Trump and aims to regain political ground amid competition from other Republican candidates. His previous term was marked by controversies and legal issues, yet he emphasizes a strong commitment to conservative values in this new campaign.
Florida – Madison Cawthorn, a former Republican U.S. Representative from North Carolina, has announced his bid for a congressional seat in Florida after being defeated in the 2022 Republican primary. Cawthorn, 30, is running for the open 19th Congressional District seat, currently held by Rep. Byron Donalds, who is pursuing a run for governor. Cawthorn relocated to Cape Coral, Florida, shortly after his loss in 2022 and made his announcement via an online video on a Wednesday.
The 19th District of Florida is characterized as overwhelmingly Republican, presenting Cawthorn with a potentially favorable environment for his campaign. In his announcement, he positioned himself in alignment with the policies of former President Donald Trump, highlighting key issues such as immigration restrictions, gun rights, and opposition to what he refers to as “woke ideology.” His campaign slogan promotes the goals of “defend the America First agenda” and “hold bureaucrats accountable.”
Cawthorn’s political background includes serving one term in Congress from 2021 to 2023, where he represented North Carolina’s 11th District. He gained significant attention in 2020 after securing his congressional seat at the age of 25 and quickly became a prominent voice for Trump’s conservative agenda. Early in his congressional career, he participated in the “Stop the Steal” rally, which was associated with the controversies surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
Despite his initial success, Cawthorn’s path to re-election in 2022 was fraught with challenges. He faced a series of controversies, including traffic violations and sensational claims regarding his experiences in Washington, D.C., related to drug use and sexual encounters. Additionally, his campaign was marred by ethical concerns, which ultimately contributed to his defeat by state Sen. Chuck Edwards, losing by a narrow margin of 1.5 percentage points, despite receiving backing from Trump.
As Cawthorn prepares for the upcoming primary in Florida, he is not alone in the race. Other Republican candidates who have declared their candidacies for the 19th District include Chris Collins, Jim Oberweis, Mike Pedersen, and Jim Schwartzel. On the Democratic side, only Howard Sapp, a community organizer, has so far announced his intention to run.
Throughout his life, Cawthorn has faced several personal and legal challenges. He was involved in a serious car accident in 2014 that resulted in him being partially paralyzed. His legal troubles continued in the political arena, where he encountered various issues, such as possession of a weapon at an airport and driving with a revoked license. Recently, Cawthorn garnered attention again for being arrested due to failing to appear in court for a valid driver’s license citation in Florida.
Despite his past controversies and legal troubles, Cawthorn emphasized in his campaign launch a sense of determination, citing a history of being underestimated. He expressed the need to fight for conservative values and combat what he perceives as the radical left’s influence. His complex background and public persona may play a significant role in the dynamics of his new campaign in Florida.
Cawthorn was previously married to Cristina Bayardelle in December 2020, but the couple divorced within a year in December 2021. As he embarks on what he hopes will be a successful return to Congress, it remains to be seen how his past experiences will shape his campaign strategy and ultimately the outcome of the race in Florida’s 19th District.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Madison Cawthorn
- News Press
- Google Search: Madison Cawthorn
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Madison Cawthorn
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- Google News: Madison Cawthorn
- MSNBC
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.
