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Cape Coral, FL - Former U.S. Representative Madison Cawthorn has officially announced he is running for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, a seat being vacated by Rep. Byron Donalds, who is entering the governor’s race.
Cawthorn, 30, moved to Cape Coral after losing the 2022 Republican primary in North Carolina and is now registered to vote in the state.
In a campaign announcement video, Cawthorn aligned himself closely with former President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.
He emphasized support for stricter immigration policies, protection of Second Amendment rights, and opposition to what he describes as “woke ideology,” stating his goal is to represent conservative values and hold Washington officials accountable.
Cawthorn previously served a single term in Congress from 2021 to 2023, representing western North Carolina.
His tenure included several controversies, including alleged violations related to firearms, speeding, and legal issues such as driving with a revoked license.
During his first term, he also publicly questioned the 2020 presidential election results at the Stop the Steal rally.
The 19th Congressional District is considered heavily Republican. Cawthorn will face competition in the GOP primary from former U.S. Representative Chris Collins of New York, former Illinois State Senator Jim Oberweis, Marine aviator Mike Pedersen, and Sun Broadcasting President Jim Schwartzel.
Howard Sapp, a community organizer who has previously run for the state legislature, is the only Democrat currently running for the seat.
Cawthorn’s campaign marks an effort to return to Congress from a new state while emphasizing conservative priorities and continued alignment with Trump’s policy positions.