Madison Cawthorn seeks comeback, running for Congress in Florida [View all]

Source: ABC News/AP

October 1, 2025, 12:49 PM


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Former Republican U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, who was defeated in 2022 in a North Carolina primary, is looking for a comeback by running for Congress again, this time from Florida.

Cawthorn, 30, announced in an online video Wednesday that he would seek the southwest Florida seat currently held by Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for Florida governor. The district is overwhelmingly Republican, and Cawthorn moved there shortly after his primary defeat.

On his website, Cawthorn aligns his views closely with those of President Donald Trump on issues such as immigration restrictions, promoting gun rights and pushing against “woke ideology." "Madison Cawthorn knows the system is rigged against hard-working families. Washington insiders cut deals while Floridians pay the price. That’s why he’s running for Congress: to defend the America First agenda, hold bureaucrats accountable, and put Floridians first," says his announcement, posted on his website.

Cawthorn served a single House term from a western North Carolina district before losing in the 2022 GOP primary to current Rep. Chuck Edwards following a reelection campaign clouded by ethical issues.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/madison-cawthorn-seeks-comeback-running-congress-florida-126123908