Cawthorn announces Bid to Reclaim Congressional Seat in Florida
WASHINGTON – Former North carolina Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced Monday he is running for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, seeking a return to Capitol Hill after losing his reelection bid in 2022.Cawthorn filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, signaling a determined effort to revive his political career in a new state.
The move comes as Representative Byron Donalds, currently holding the 19th District seat, prepares to vacate it to run for governor of Florida.Cawthorn, a conservative firebrand known for his controversial statements and social media presence, will face a crowded primary field, with five other GOP candidates already vying for the nomination.The primary election is scheduled for August 18, 2026.
Cawthorn served one term in the House of Representatives,representing north Carolina’s 11th congressional district,before losing the 2022 Republican primary to state Sen.Chuck Edwards. Since then, he has remained active in conservative circles.
“If you want someone who is going to go to Washington, D.C., to be swayed by outside money, [who is] just going to fade off into the swamp until they die in office… I’m not your guy,” Cawthorn stated, framing his candidacy as a challenge to the Washington establishment. ”But if you want someone who is going to fight for the values that conservatives truly believe in, who is going to pursue morals and ethics… then I’m your guy.”
Recently,Cawthorn was arrested in Florida early last month for failing to appear in court for a traffic citation,an incident he described as a “mixup about court timings.” He added that he and his legal team “fully expect this case is going to go in a positive direction,” attributing the issue to a “simple mistake, whether through scheduling or a mishap in changing schedules.”
Despite past scandals and accusations, Cawthorn is positioning himself as a staunch conservative willing to challenge the status quo. The 19th Congressional District, located in southwest Florida, is considered a safely Republican seat.
