Johnny Fratto leaves CD 19 field, endorses Madison Cawthorn to succeed Byron Donalds

Naples Republican Johnny Fratto is suspending his campaign for Congress and endorsing former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn.

Fratto was part of a crowded field of Republicans running to succeed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. But he said business pursuits, particularly with his company MAGA Beer, are taking up his time and attention more than the race for the U.S. House seat.

Fratto decided to endorse Cawthorn, a Cape Coral Republican who previously represented North Carolina in Congress, following a candidate debate hosted by the Women’s Republican Club of Naples Federated between most GOP candidates.

“In my opinion Madison crushed the rest of them. I loved how he dealt with them. That’s when I made my decision,” Fratto said.

“There’s also something to be said for Madison’s voting record when he was in Congress, and something for calling out the establishment, which he did and that’s why he’s not in Congress anymore. Nowadays, if you aren’t making enemies, you aren’t doing anything right.”

Cawthorn served one term but lost re-election in a Republican Primary in 2022 to now-U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards. While criticized for his far-right views on a number of issues, Cawthorn attracted the most attention when he alleged he witnessed drug abuse and other criminals by a number of prominent members of Congress.

Afterward, he moved to Cape Coral, and speculation immediately arose if he would run for office in the Sunshine State. He announced after Donalds launched his campaign for Governor, opening up the seat in CD 19.

Cawthorn welcomed Fratto’s support.

“Johnny is a true patriot, an outstanding Floridian, and a friend who cares passionately about our state and country,” Cawthorn said.

“We both agree that President (Donald) Trump needs warriors in Washington who have experience fighting the Swamp as quickly as possible. I’m grateful for his endorsement and look forward to consolidating the entire GOP primary field soon so we can get to work assisting President Trump on implementing the America First Agenda.”