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:
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.
Jim Schwartzel: president of Sun Broadcasting, with multiple stations including 92.5 FOX News Radio.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Cape Coral Comeback Kid? Madison Cawthorn launches bid for Florida’s 19th district
Reporting by Amy Bennett Williams, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
