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 .

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 pr

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