BREAKING: Rep. Madison Cawthorn concedes Republican primary to challenger Chuck Edwards | The Post Millennial
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BREAKING: Rep. Madison Cawthorn concedes Republican primary to challenger Chuck Edwards
The 26-year-old representative faced a growing amount of negative press which Cawthorn claimed was a “coordinated strike from members of my own party colluding with the media.”
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC), conceded the House GOP primary against state legislator Chuck Edwards Tuesday night.
According to Fox News, Edwards told supporters at his election night party that Cawthorn called him to concede the race for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional seat.
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Earlier in the evening, Cawthorn told Fox News Digital, "I don't believe that this will go to a runoff. We know that Cawthorn voters are day-of voters."
The 26-year-old representative faced a growing amount of negative press which Cawthorn claimed was a "coordinated strike from members of my own party colluding with the media."
Cawthorn was accused of sexual misconduct, which he denied. He was also stopped twice by airport security for trying to bring a loaded gun on a plane.
In March, he was cited by state troopers for driving with a revoked license which was in addition to two previous speeding violations.
That same month, Cawthorn claimed in an interview that he had been invited to "an orgy" in Washington, had been sexually solicited, and had seen leaders use cocaine. After being rebuked by GOP colleagues, Cawthorn later admitted he wasn't talking specifically about his fellow GOP lawmakers.
The following month, Politico published pictures of Cawthorn partying in lingerie which was followed by the Daily Mail posting photos of Cawthorn's aide grabbing his crotch. The outlet also published an ethics complaint that alleged the congressman gave the staffer thousands of dollars in gifts and loans.
Earlier this month, a video of Cawthorn naked, making thrusting motions on top of another person in a bed, went viral.
According to Fox News, Cawthorn claimed, "The biggest thing is probably just the coordinated strike that's really been carried out by members of my own party. I believe that there's a war going on between which version of conservatism and Republicanism is going to move forward."
Cawthorn lost despite earning and keeping an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed the incumbent last year, and doubled down on his support, even after the negative press.
After the polls closed, the Associated Press called the Senate GOP primary for Trump endorsed Rep. Ted Budd, (R-NC), beating out former Governor Pat McCrory and former Rep. Mark Walker for the open seat. He will face former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley in the general election in November.
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