Former Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) was arrested Wednesday in Florida after failing to appear in court for a traffic citation, just days after reports suggested he may seek a return to Congress.
The 28-year-old, who served a single term in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, faces renewed scrutiny as he considers running for Florida’s 19th District.
Authorities confirmed Cawthorn was taken into custody at his Cape Coral residence following the missed court date tied to a driving violation from last month.
He was released on a $2,000 bond, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office described the process as routine.
A spokesperson for Cawthorn attributed the absence to a scheduling misunderstanding.
“Former Congressman Madison Cawthorn was arrested earlier today for failure to appear for a routine traffic infraction,” the statement read. “Madison keeps a very busy schedule and, due to a scheduling misunderstanding, did not appear in court this morning. Following processing, Madison was immediately released.”
Cawthorn’s arrest comes as he eyes a political comeback in Florida, a state where the 19th Congressional District will soon be open as current Republican Rep. Byron Donalds pursues the governor’s office.
Sources told Axios last week that he is actively planning a return to elected office after his turbulent tenure in North Carolina.
Analysts note that while the recent infraction was minor, the timing may complicate efforts to reestablish credibility with voters.
During his single term in Congress, Cawthorn became the youngest Republican ever elected to the House of Representatives, according to the Washington Examiner.
However, his tenure was marred by multiple controversies.
He claimed he had been invited to a congressional orgy and witnessed lawmakers using cocaine—remarks he later admitted were “exaggerated.”
Additionally, several women accused him of sexual assault during his 2020 campaign.
Beyond political scandals, Cawthorn has faced a series of legal and personal challenges.
He has a documented history of traffic violations, including driving with a revoked license in North Carolina in 2022 and rear-ending a Florida state trooper’s parked vehicle in 2024.
He has also been detained twice for attempting to board commercial flights with a handgun in his carry-on luggage, the New York Post reports.
Cawthorn’s personal story includes surviving a near-fatal car accident at 18 that left him partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.
Despite these challenges, he has remained a polarizing figure in conservative politics, known for his outspoken style and appeal to younger Republican voters.
Florida political observers are already weighing the implications of Cawthorn’s potential candidacy.
While the seat presents a competitive opportunity for Republicans, his past legal troubles and high-profile controversies may influence public perception.
Supporters argue his resilience and media presence could energize a segment of the electorate, while critics warn that renewed scrutiny could overshadow his campaign.
As Cawthorn navigates the early stages of his political revival, the recent arrest underscores the hurdles he may face.
The combination of legal issues, controversial history and media attention could shape both his strategy and the response from voters as he pursues another term in public office.
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