OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
11:36 AM – Thursday, October 2, 2025
Former United States Representative Madison Cawthorn has announced his congressional bid for Florida’s 19th Congressional District.
Cawthorn, originally from Asheville, North Carolina, filed his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Wednesday. The former congressman moved to the Sunshine State years ago.
The GOP congressional candidate told Fox News Digital that he was inspired to run after the assassination of conservative activist and former Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk.
Cawthorn further expressed that he felt “there really was no option,” adding that he wants to make sure Floridians “have amazing representation in Washington, D.C., because I know exactly what happens in the swamp.”
“I think that I’m the right man for the job,” he declared.
Cawthorn is 30-years-old and he previously served North Carolina’s 11th congressional District from 2021 to 2023. He describes himself as a Constitutional conservative.
“If you want someone who is going to go to Washington, D.C., to be swayed by outside money, [who is] just going to fade off into the swamp until they die in office… I’m not your guy,” Cawthorn explained to Fox News. “But if you want someone who is going to fight for the values that conservatives truly believe in, who is going to pursue morals and ethics… then I’m your guy.”
The GOP-leaning district Cawthorn seeks to represent includes Naples, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers. The seat is currently filled by Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), who is running in Florida’s gubernatorial race to replace Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.).
At the time of publication, Cawthorn faces 5 other GOP candidates for the congressional seat. Primary election day for the position is August 18, 2026.
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