The field to replace Donalds keeps growing.
Former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn has officially filed paperwork to run for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, setting up a comeback bid in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.[1]
Cawthorn, who represented a North Carolina district for one term before losing re-election in 2022, has lived in Southwest Florida since relocating to Cape Coral after his defeat. His decision to enter the race makes official what had been long-expected chatter in Republican circles that the 29-year-old firebrand would try to reestablish himself as a MAGA candidate in the Sunshine State race.
Cawthorn’s time in Congress was marked by controversy. He was twice cited for bringing a firearm through airport security, drew fines for violating House ethics rules on financial disclosures and provoked backlash within the GOP after claiming colleagues invited him to cocaine-fueled orgies.
He also faced scrutiny after videos surfaced of him in compromising situations, and he racked up a series of traffic-related arrests and license suspensions. His troubles culminated in a bruising Primary loss to fellow Republican Chuck Edwards in 2022.
He followed that up with a recent arrest in Florida just last month.[2]
Despite the baggage, Cawthorn has maintained a national profile with conservative activists. His move to file for Donalds’ seat likely means the 2026 GOP Primary will be closely watched well beyond Southwest Florida.
Donalds, a Naples Republican, announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election to Congress as he pursues a campaign for Governor in 2026. His decision opened up a safe Republican seat spanning Collier and Lee counties.[3]
Cawthorn won’t have the field to himself. Other Republicans already running include former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins of New York, former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis, veteran Marine Aviator Mike Pedersen and Sun Broadcasting President Jim Schwartzel.
Democrat Howard Sapp is also running. But with the district among the most reliably red in Florida, the GOP Primary will all but decide who succeeds Donalds in Washington.
References
- ^ the race to replace (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ just last month (www.naplesnews.com)
- ^ earlier this year (floridapolitics.com)