Cawthorn’s Florida Comeback Fails | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 19, 2026 · 1m

Madison Cawthorn’s political comeback attempt in Florida’s 19th District ended in defeat, as local radio owner Jim Schwartzel claimed the Republican primary win over a field that included controversial figures like John Strand and Trump-endorsed Catalina Lauf. Once hailed as a GOP rising star after his paralysis from a car crash, Cawthorn’s tenure in North Carolina was marred by scandals and misconduct allegations, leading to his 2022 primary loss — a rare feat for incumbents. After relocating to Cape Coral, he tried to rebuild his brand in Florida, but voters ultimately rejected his bid…