Former Republican Representative Madison Cawthorn from North Carolina has announced his candidacy for Florida’s 19th Congressional District. In a video posted on Wednesday, the 30-year-old expressed that Florida is a focal point of the “Make America Great Again” movement and shared his desire to run for Congress.
Cawthorn stated, “This community is my home. I understand what it’s like to be underestimated, and I know the effort it takes to fight back. I plan to take that same spirit to Washington.” He also pledged to adhere to an “America First” agenda, aiming to hold bureaucrats accountable and prioritize the needs of Floridians.
He emphasized his connection to Southwest Florida, describing it as the heart of the MAGA movement. Cawthorn mentioned his commitment to support the community, especially in the wake of Hurricane Ian, stating he intends to stand with his neighbors, provide assistance, and rebuild together.
The timing of his announcement follows reports indicated that he was preparing to enter the race after the previous representative, Byron Donald, opted to run for governor. The 19th District, which covers areas like Fort Myers and Naples, is seen as a solid Republican seat.
Cawthorn served North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District from 2021 to 2023, gaining the title of the youngest member of Congress at the age of 25. However, he lost his re-election bid in 2022 amid various controversies.
After his term ended, he moved to Florida at the beginning of 2023. He has since faced numerous allegations, including involvement in a reckless driving incident and other accusations from his time in Congress, which resulted in a challenging reputation among some colleagues.
In a recent interview, Cawthorn cited the passing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a significant motivator for his decision to run again, stressing his desire to represent the people of Florida in Washington.
He will encounter a competitive GOP primary, which may include former New York Representative Chris Collins, who resigned due to an insider trading scandal, and former Illinois Senator Jim Oberweis, known for his repeated bids for office.
