A former U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 11th congressional district, Madison Cawthorn, was arrested in Florida after failing to appear in court over a traffic citation. The incident occurred as Cawthorn sought to re-enter national politics following his 2023 departure from Congress.

According to reports, Cawthorn received a citation for driving without a valid license. His representatives stated the absence from court was due to a “scheduling misunderstanding,” adding he was released after being booked on a $2,000 bond.

Cawthorn is preparing to campaign for Florida’s 19th Congressional District seat, which will be vacated by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is running for governor of Florida. The former congressman met with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill recently to discuss his potential bid, positioning himself as a contender in a competitive GOP primary.

This arrest marks the latest legal complication for Cawthorn, who previously faced scrutiny in 2024 after colliding with a Florida State Trooper vehicle. His team described the court appearance mishap as a “clerical error,” emphasizing no broader issues were involved.