Florida — 19th District

Former North Carolina congressman Madison Cawthorn is running for a U.S. House seat in Florida.

Cawthorn seeks to represent Florida's 19th Congressional District, which is being vacated by Byron Donalds.

His political past includes numerous controversies, such as airport gun incidents and sexual misconduct allegations.

Cawthorn joins a growing field of candidates interested in the open congressional seat.

Madison Cawthorn, the 30-year-old former North Carolina congressman ousted in a storm of scandal and intra-party revolt, wants to win Byron Donalds’ 19th Congressional District.

That territory that includes Cape Coral – Cawthorn’s new hometown as of 2022.

In his video pitch Cawthorn leans into his new Floridian identity, calling the state “the heart of the MAGA movement.”

Whether the controversy that dogged him in North Carolina will follow him south is the question that will dominate the coming months as Cawthorn works to buff his tarnished political brand with loyalty to Donald Trump, and Sunshine State spirit.

Like Donalds, who he credits as helping to seal the move to Florida, Cawthorn is a strong supporter of President Trump. On the broader GOP chessboard, Donalds’ decision to run for governor leaves the 19th open to an ever-expanding field.

Cawthorn used his campaign launch to cast himself as an underestimated fighter, standing up to “woke ideology” and promising to carry forward the “America First” mantle.

'Foolish mistakes' and a plea for forgiveness from Trump

A comeback campaign can’t escape scrutiny of past missteps. Some of the more public controversies and legal challenges Cawthorn brings into this race:

Airport gun incidents: On at least two occasions during his term, he attempted to bring firearms through airport security.

Crashing into an FHP vehicle: In 2024 Cawthorn rear-ended a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle on I-75 in Collier County.

Leaked video: During his term, a nude video involving Cawthorn circulated, and his remarks about Congress, including unverified claims of orgies and drug use by GOP colleagues, generated internal backlash.

Sexual misconduct allegations: Multiple women have alleged sexually aggressive behavior or touching during his early political rise; he has offered limited public apologies or denials.

Recent arrest: On Sept. 10, Cawthorn was arrested in Lee County on a bench warrant tied to failing to appear in court in Collier County, from a Naples citation for driving without a valid license. He was released on a $2,000 bond. His team described the latest arrest as a scheduling “misunderstanding,” insisting he maintains a busy itinerary.

In 2022, as Cawthorn ran for reelection, Trump asked voters to “give Madison a second chance” after his “foolish mistakes” Despite that, he lost.

Who else is interested in Donalds’ seat?

Would-be District 19 congressmen include:

Chris Collins: Former U.S. Representative from New York told a New York outlet he's running to reclaim his image after going to prison for insider trading. He was later pardoned by Trump.

Jim Oberweis: Illinois businessman (Oberweis Dairy) and frequent GOP pundit was the first to file, entering the race in March.

Mike Pedersen: Retired Marine and Cape Coral resident.

Cecil Pendergrass: The Lee commissioner has floated the idea of a run.

Howard Sapp: The lone Democrat in the field, nephew of the late Fort Myers City Councilwoman Veronica Shoemaker.