Ex-Rep Madison Cawthorn Files to Run Florida 19th Congressional Seat

Madison Cawthorn, the 30-year-old former U.S. Representative from North Carolina, has announced his bid for Florida's 19th Congressional District, a seat being vacated by Republican Byron Donalds, who is running for governor. Cawthorn, who served from 2021 to 2023 and lost his 2022 primary amid various controversies including allegations of insider trading and legal issues, cited the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a significant motivator for his return to politics. He positions himself as a Constitutional conservative committed to fighting for conservative values and opposing what he calls the "swamp" in Washington. Cawthorn's campaign emphasizes his support for President Donald Trump and his desire to provide strong conservative representation for Floridians. Despite his troubled past, including legal troubles and controversial statements, Cawthorn remains a vocal and polarizing figure within the GOP, seeking to leverage his Florida residency and political experience in a GOP-leaning district. The primary election for the seat is scheduled for August 18, 2026, with Cawthorn facing several other Republican candidates.