Madison Cawthorn’s brief political career is over, at least for now
Madison Cawthorn speaks to supporters on May 17, 2022.
Jeffrey Delannoy photo
Less than 17 months after being sworn into office, Republican congressman Madison Cawthorn has been voted out of office by his Western North Carolina constituents.
Cawthorn, who was only three days into his term when he first drew attention for his speech preceding the Jan. 6 insurrection, spent much of his first term as the target of frequent criticism for controversial comments and a series of unsavory scandals that undoubtedly contributed to his loss.
With 100% of precincts reporting, three-term incumbent Republican Sen. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) had 29,411 votes to Cawthorn’s 28,092 a difference of 1,319, or 1.5%.
Cawthorn spokesman Luke Ball confirmed to The Smoky Mountain News that Cawthorn had called Edwards to concede.
Edwards was able to avoid a runoff by accumulating more than 30% of the vote.
Buncombe County businessman Matthew Burril posted a surprisingly strong tally of 9.4%, good for a distant third. Bruce O’Connell, owner of the Pisgah Inn, placed fourth with 6.9%, followed by retired Army Col. Rod Honeycutt with 6.5%.
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Michele Woodhouse, former NC-11 GOP chair, claimed 5.3%, followed by Wendy Nevarez at 5.1%.
Edwards will face Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, who likewise avoided a runoff, in November.
