A former North Carolina Republican congressman has announced plans to run for Congress in Florida, seeking the state’s 19th congressional seat vacated by Rep. Byron Donalds, who is pursuing a gubernatorial campaign.
Cawthorn, who previously represented North Carolina’s 11th district from 2021 to 2023, stated his intention to “stand with President Trump, crush the woke Left, deport illegals, and help fix Florida’s broken insurance system” in a social media post. He has been registered to vote in Florida since 2023, according to state records.
The candidate faced significant controversy during his tenure, including allegations of misconduct, insider trading, and carrying a firearm to an airport. He also accused Republican colleagues of inviting him to “cocaine-fueled sex parties” without evidence. Cawthorn claimed he was ousted from Congress by “the radical left and members of [his] own party” for speaking “the truth” about Washington, D.C.
In a recent interview, Cawthorn cited the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk as a catalyst for his return to politics, emphasizing his resolve to “fight” in the legislative branch. He also addressed legal issues, including an arrest in Florida for missing a court date, which he described as a “mixup about court timings.”
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck endorsed Cawthorn, pledging financial support for his campaign. The former congressman’s bid comes amid ongoing scrutiny of his past actions and statements.