History of Madison Cawthorn in Timeline

David Madison Cawthorn is a former American politician affiliated with the Republican Party. He served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 11th congressional district from 2021 to 2023. Cawthorn identifies as a Christian and a constitutional conservative.

1919: Historical Application of 14th Amendment Cited

During the legal proceedings regarding Cawthorn's eligibility, the North Carolina Attorney General's office referenced a 1919 case where the 14th Amendment was used against a congressman who violated the Espionage Act. This historical precedent was used to argue that the amendment could apply to Cawthorn's situation.

August 1, 1995: Birth of Madison Cawthorn

Madison Cawthorn was born on August 1, 1995.

December 2013: Nomination to Naval Academy

Madison Cawthorn was nominated to the United States Naval Academy by Rep. Meadows in December 2013.

2014: Car Accident and Injuries

At the age of 18, Madison Cawthorn was seriously injured in a car accident near Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2014, leaving him partially paralyzed.

January 2015: Start of Work as Staff Assistant

Madison Cawthorn started working as a part-time staff assistant in U.S. Representative Mark Meadows's district office in January 2015.

August 2016: End of Work as Staff Assistant

Madison Cawthorn ended his role as a staff assistant in U.S. Representative Mark Meadows's district office in August 2016.

2016: Attendance and Withdrawal from Patrick Henry College

Madison Cawthorn briefly attended Patrick Henry College in the fall of 2016, studying political science, but dropped out after receiving poor grades.

2017: Cawthorn's Driving on a Revoked License Charge Dismissed

A 2017 charge against Cawthorn for driving with a revoked license was dismissed.

2017: Acknowledgement of Naval Academy Rejection

In 2017, Madison Cawthorn acknowledged under oath that he had been rejected by the Naval Academy before his 2014 accident.

2017: Public Speech About Accident

In 2017, Madison Cawthorn gave a speech where he made claims about his 2014 car accident, some of which were disputed by others involved.

2017: Visit to Eagle's Nest and Instagram Post

In 2017, Madison Cawthorn visited Adolf Hitler's vacation residence, Eagle's Nest, and posted about it on Instagram, which later sparked controversy.

August 2019: Founding of SPQR Holdings, LLC

Madison Cawthorn founded SPQR Holdings, LLC, a real estate investment firm in Hendersonville, in August 2019.

March 2020: Republican Primary for 11th Congressional District

In the March 2020 Republican primary for North Carolina's 11th congressional district, Madison Cawthorn finished second, leading to a runoff election which he later won.

July 2020: Unsubstantiated Claims About Cartels

In July 2020, during an event at the Texas border, Madison Cawthorn made unsubstantiated claims about cartels kidnapping American children for a sex slave market.

August 2020: Limited Activity of SPQR Holdings, LLC

As of August 2020, SPQR Holdings, LLC, Madison Cawthorn's real estate investment firm, had been involved in only one real estate transaction.

August 2020: Multiple Women Accuse Cawthorn of Sexual Misconduct

In August 2020, amidst Cawthorn's congressional campaign, several women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, and sexually aggressive behavior against him.

October 17, 2020: Patrick Henry College Alumni Accuse Cawthorn of Predatory Behavior

A public letter signed by a group of Patrick Henry College alumni on October 17, 2020, accused Cawthorn of engaging in "sexually predatory behavior" during his brief time as a student there. The letter also alleged vandalism and dishonesty. The number of alumni who signed the letter grew to over 150 within a week.

December 2020: Cawthorn Contests 2020 Election Results

In December 2020, Cawthorn announced his intention to contest the 2020 presidential election results, alleging fraud despite a lack of evidence. He used this stance to raise funds and encourage supporters to pressure their representatives.

December 2020: Cawthorn Marries Cristina Bayardelle

Madison Cawthorn and Cristina Bayardelle, a college student and CrossFit athlete, wed in a civil ceremony in December 2020.

2020: Blake Harp Serves as Cawthorn's Campaign Manager

Blake Harp served as Madison Cawthorn's campaign manager during Cawthorn's 2020 congressional campaign.

2020: Cawthorn's Paralympic Claim Debunked

Despite Cawthorn's assertions about training for the 2020 Summer Paralympics, it was revealed that he had never participated in qualifying events nor been part of a Paralympic team.

2020: Cawthorn Aims to Be the "Face of the Republican Party" on Healthcare

During his 2020 campaign for Congress, Cawthorn expressed his desire to be the prominent figure in the Republican Party regarding healthcare policy.

2020: Discrepancy Regarding Naval Academy Application

During his 2020 congressional campaign, Madison Cawthorn faced questions about discrepancies in his statements regarding his application to the Naval Academy.

2020: Speech at Republican National Convention and Website Controversy

During his 2020 election bid, Madison Cawthorn spoke at the Republican National Convention and was involved in a controversy surrounding a website his campaign created that criticized a journalist.

2020: Allegations of Far-Right Sympathies

During the 2020 general election campaign, Madison Cawthorn faced allegations of far-right sympathies due to a 2017 Instagram post showing his visit to Adolf Hitler's Eagle's Nest.

2020: Cawthorn Promotes False Claims of Election Fraud

Following the 2020 presidential election, Cawthorn made false assertions about the election's integrity, alleging widespread fraud.

2020: Election to Congress

Madison Cawthorn was elected to succeed Mark Meadows as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 11th congressional district in 2020.

January 3, 2021: Start of Congressional Term and Controversial Tweet

Madison Cawthorn's term in Congress began on January 3, 2021, marked by a controversial tweet.

January 2021: Cawthorn Backtracks on Claims of Election Fraud

Despite initially promoting the false claim that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent, Cawthorn retracted his statement during a CNN interview with Pamela Brown in January 2021.

January 22, 2021: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Cawthorn

On January 22, 2021, following his involvement in the January 6th events, the Campaign for Accountability filed an ethics complaint against Cawthorn. This marked the beginning of increased scrutiny on his conduct as a congressman.

February 2021: BuzzFeed News Investigation Reveals Further Harassment Allegations Against Cawthorn

An investigation by BuzzFeed News, published in February 2021, revealed accusations of harassment from 20 individuals who knew Cawthorn during college. The report detailed Cawthorn's alleged behavior, including driving women to remote areas without their consent while making sexual advances.

February 2021: Cawthorn Skips Votes to Attend CPAC

In February 2021, Cawthorn and other Republican House members skipped votes, falsely citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason. They were actually attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), leading to an ethics complaint being filed.

February 2021: Seeking Further Settlement for Accident

In February 2021, Madison Cawthorn sought $30 million more from an insurance company for his 2014 car accident injuries.

February 2021: Cawthorn Stopped by TSA for Unloaded Gun in Carry-On

Transportation Security Administration agents at the Asheville Regional Airport found an unloaded Glock 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine in Cawthorn's carry-on bag in February 2021. Cawthorn's spokesperson stated that the firearm and ammunition were supposed to be in his checked luggage.

April 2021: Cawthorn and Bayardelle Hold Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Following their civil ceremony, Madison Cawthorn and Cristina Bayardelle had a second wedding ceremony outdoors in April 2021.

June 2021: Cawthorn Votes Against Removing Confederate Statues from U.S. Capitol

Despite supporting the removal of Confederate statues in general, Cawthorn voted against a June 2021 bill that aimed to remove statues of Confederate figures and white supremacists from the U.S. Capitol.

July 2021: Another Ethics Complaint Filed Against Cawthorn

In July 2021, another ethics complaint was filed against Cawthorn, this time by an aide to Representative David McKinley. This stemmed from a disagreement over a bill sponsorship that escalated into a public shouting match.

August 2021: Cawthorn Makes Controversial Remarks About "Bloodshed"

In August 2021, Cawthorn made concerning remarks suggesting that "rigged" and "stolen" elections could lead to "bloodshed." While he stated his preference to avoid violence, he emphasized the importance of "election security" as a means to prevent such a scenario.

October 2021: Cawthorn Makes Controversial Remarks on Masculinity

In October 2021, Cawthorn expressed concerns about the perceived "de-masculinization" of young men, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to suppress those who challenge the status quo. He urged mothers to raise their sons to be "monsters" in response.

November 2021: Announces Candidacy for 13th Congressional District

In November 2021, Cawthorn initially decided to run for the 13th Congressional District instead of seeking re-election in his current district. He criticized the potential for an "establishment" Republican to win in the 13th district. However, he later reversed this decision and filed to run in the 11th district after redistricting.

November 2021: Cawthorn Makes Controversial Remarks on Gender and Culture

In November 2021, Cawthorn made additional provocative statements, accusing politicians of promoting a "genderless" and "Godless" agenda. He vowed to "run over" those who opposed his views on traditional culture.

December 2021: Cawthorn Announces Divorce

In December 2021, Madison Cawthorn announced that he and his wife, Cristina Bayardelle, were getting divorced.

2021: Blake Harp Becomes Cawthorn's Chief of Staff

Blake Harp, who had served as Cawthorn's campaign manager in 2020, transitioned to the role of chief of staff in 2021.

2021: Cawthorn Joins House Freedom Caucus

Cawthorn joined the House Freedom Caucus, a group known for its conservative stance within the House of Representatives, in 2021.

2021: Cawthorn Sponsors the American Tech Workforce Act

In 2021, Cawthorn sponsored H.R. 6206, known as the American Tech Workforce Act. Introduced by Representative Jim Banks, this bill sought to reduce reliance on the H-1B visa program by establishing a minimum wage for the program and eliminating the Optional Practical Training program.

2021: Start of Congressional Term

Madison Cawthorn began his term as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 11th congressional district in 2021.

2021: Cawthorn's Actions on January 6th Scrutinized

Throughout 2021, Cawthorn's actions and statements surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot were heavily scrutinized. His participation in rallies and speeches questioning the election results led to challenges against his eligibility and calls for investigation.

January 2022: Eligibility Challenged Based on 14th Amendment

In January 2022, Cawthorn's eligibility to run for office was challenged by North Carolina voters citing his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot and his questioning of the 2020 presidential election results. This challenge, based on the 14th Amendment, questioned his fitness for office.

March 2022: Cawthorn Charged with Driving Offenses

In March 2022, Cawthorn faced charges of driving with a revoked license while also having two pending speeding tickets, potentially leading to jail time.

March 2022: Cawthorn Makes Unsubstantiated Claims about Orgies and Drug Use

In March 2022, Cawthorn made headlines for alleging that he had been invited to an orgy by a fellow lawmaker and witnessed prominent figures in Washington D.C. using cocaine. These claims sparked outrage and led to a confrontation with Republican leadership, where he admitted to exaggerating the truth.

March 2022: Court Initially Rules in Cawthorn's Favor

In March 2022, a lower court ruled in favor of Cawthorn, dismissing the challenge against his eligibility based on the Amnesty Act of 1872. However, this decision was later overturned by a higher court.

April 2022: Cawthorn Detained at Airport with Loaded Handgun

Cawthorn was briefly detained at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in April 2022 for attempting to board a commercial flight with a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage. He cooperated with police and was issued a citation for possession of a dangerous weapon on city property.

April 2022: Senator Thom Tillis Calls for Investigation into Cawthorn's Cryptocurrency Dealings

In April 2022, Senator Thom Tillis called for an investigation into Madison Cawthorn's potential violation of the STOCK Act. Tillis suggested that Cawthorn's purchase of "Let's Go Brandon" cryptocurrency without proper disclosure might be a breach of insider trading regulations for members of Congress.

April 2022: Ethics Investigation Requested into Cawthorn's Relationship with Aide

In April 2022, the American Muckrakers PAC requested an ethics investigation into Cawthorn's relationship with his aide, Stephen Smith, who is also his second cousin. The request alleged that Cawthorn provided Smith with over $250 worth of free housing and travel, violating House rules.

May 4, 2022: Explicit Video of Cawthorn Surfaces Online

A video showing Cawthorn naked in bed engaging in sexually suggestive acts with another man began circulating online on May 4, 2022. Cawthorn addressed the video, claiming it was recorded years prior and involved harmless joking with a friend. He characterized the video's release as an attempt at blackmail.

May 2022: Report Alleges Cawthorn's Chief of Staff Received Excessive Outside Income

In May 2022, The Daily Beast reported that Blake Harp, Cawthorn's chief of staff, received $73,237 from Cawthorn's campaign in 2021, in addition to his $131,278 salary. This raised concerns about potential violations of House ethics rules, which limit senior staff to $29,595 in outside income annually.

May 17, 2022: Defeated in Republican Primary

On May 17, 2022, Cawthorn lost the Republican primary election to Chuck Edwards. Following his defeat, Cawthorn conceded but expressed criticism towards members of his own party and hinted at the rise of "Dark MAGA."

May 24, 2022: Court Rules Against Cawthorn in Eligibility Case

On May 24, 2022, the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's ruling, deciding that the Amnesty Act of 1872 did not protect Cawthorn from disqualification related to the January 6th Capitol riot.

June 2022: Cawthorn's Court Dates for Driving Offenses

Cawthorn had scheduled court appearances in Polk and Cleveland counties in June 2022 to address charges related to speeding and driving with a revoked license.

November 16, 2022: Cawthorn Closes Offices and Moves to Florida After Election Defeat

On November 16, 2022, it was reported that Cawthorn had vacated and closed his offices two months before the end of his term. He then purchased a $1.1 million home in Florida. Constituent services were reportedly not being handled, leading Rep.-elect Chuck Edwards, Cawthorn's successor, to invite people to contact his state senate office instead.

December 2022: Cawthorn Found in Violation of the STOCK Act

By December 2022, reports revealed that Cawthorn had violated the STOCK Act three times that year. These violations stemmed from his failure to disclose tens of thousands of dollars from sales of "Let's Go Brandon" coin.

2022: Cawthorn Criticizes Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cawthorn drew criticism for labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "thug" and making unfounded claims about the Ukrainian government. These comments were widely condemned as promoting Russian propaganda.

2022: Cawthorn Votes Against the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Cawthorn opposed the Respect for Marriage Act, a piece of legislation designed to enshrine same-sex marriage into federal law. He voted against the act.

2022: Loss of Reelection Bid

Madison Cawthorn lost his reelection bid for the U.S. House in 2022 to Chuck Edwards in the Republican primary.

May 5, 2023: Cawthorn Pleads Guilty to Airport Gun Charge

On May 5, 2023, Cawthorn entered a guilty plea for attempting to board a plane with a loaded handgun at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in April 2022. He received a $250 fine. The trial, initially set for January, was postponed.